Dichanthelium dichotomum

Family: Poaceae Genus: Dichanthelium Species: dichotomum

Synonyms: Panicum angustifolium, Panicum muhlenbergianum, Panicum triticeum, Panicum subbarbulatum, Dichanthelium dichotomum var. nitidum, Panicum curtivaginum, Panicum pubescens var. longipilium, Panicum dichotomum var. barbulatum, Chasea dichotoma, Dichanthelium dichotomum var. barbulatum, Panicum nitidum var. pauciflorum, Panicum pubescens var. barbulatum, Panicum deustum, Panicum ramulosum var. viride, Panicum dumus, Dichanthelium nitidum, Panicum nitidum, Panicum dichotomum var. divaricatum, Panicum barbulatum, Panicum gravius, Panicum nitidum var. viride, Panicum multirameum, Panicum nodiflorum, Panicum nitidum var. glabriusculum, Panicum ramulosum, Panicum nitidum var. gracile, Panicum nitidum var. barbatum, Panicum nitidum var. barbulatum, Panicum dichotomum var. commune, Panicum dichotomum var. nitidum, Panicum dichotomum var. nodiflorum, Panicum dichotomum var. viride, Panicum clivum, Panicum taxodiorum, Panicum tremulum, Dichanthelium dichotomum subsp. nitidum, Panicum parvulum

Botanical Description

Dichanthelium dichotomum, commonly known as forked panicgrass or cypress panicgrass, is a perennial bunchgrass in the Poaceae native to eastern and central North America from southern Canada to the Gulf Coast and into Central America. It forms loose tufts of slender, branching culms 20-80 cm tall that arise from a knotty crown. The leaves are flat, linear-lanceolate, glabrous to sparsely pilose, and 4-12 cm long. The species is notable for producing two distinct flowering phases: an early vernal panicle with chasmogamous spikelets followed by smaller, autumnal panicles bearing cleistogamous, self-pollinated spikelets hidden among the foliage. Spikelets are roughly 1.5-2.5 mm long, ellipsoid, and sparsely pubescent. It occurs in open woods, savannas, sandy clearings, and moist meadows, and is one of the most variable and taxonomically complex species in its genus.

Native Region: Alabama, Arkansas, Belize, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Guatemala, Honduras, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Masachusettes, Mexico Central, Mexico Gulf, Mexico Northeast, Mexico Southeast, Mexico Southwest, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, New Brunswick, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Nicaragua, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Ontario, Pennsylvania, Rhode I., South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin

Cultural & Historical Context

Traditional American Uses

None Documented

Chemistry & External Identifiers

Trefle ID

227318

Important Disclaimer

This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using any herbal remedy, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking medications.

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