Panicum amarum
Bitter Panicgrass
General
A perennial grass species native to coastal regions of North America, known for its tolerance to salt spray and sandy soils. It typically grows 1 to 3 feet (about 0.3 to 0.9 meters) tall and forms dense clumps of wiry stems and narrow leaves. This species plays a crucial role in stabilizing coastal dunes and providing habitat for wildlife adapted to coastal environments.
Plant Description
Features slender, upright stems with narrow, linear leaves that are often bluish-green in color. Its inflorescences are compact and spike-like, branching out with small, purplish-green spikelets. Bitter panicgrass has a distinctive appearance in coastal habitats, where its fine texture and low-growing habit contribute to the resilience of dune ecosystems.
Height (ft)
1-3'
Soil moisture
Sandy, well drained
Soil types
Sandy, well drained soils
Wetland indicator
FACU
Shade tolerance
Full Sun
Bloom color
Green, purple/brown purple
Bloom period
Late spring to early fall
Drought tolerance
High
Salinity tolerance
High
Range
Distributed along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts of North America, where it is adapted to coastal dunes, salt marshes, and sandy shorelines. It can be found from New Jersey southward to Florida and westward along the Gulf Coast into Texas
Kartesz, J.T. 2024. Floristic Synthesis of North America, Version 1.0. Biota of North America Program (BONAP) [website http://bonap.org/]