
Panicum amarum
Coastal Panicgrass
Coastal Panicgrass is a clump-forming, warm season, perennial grass that supports wildlife throughout the year.
Description:
Coastal Panicgrass is a clump-forming, warm season, perennial grass. The flowers become compact clusters of seed heads, September-February, offering an important food source for birds. Arching blue foliage adds color and texture to the garden landscape. Panicgrass prefers infertile, sandy loams and is salt-tolerant, making it a good choice for coastal yards. Use Coastal Panicgrass in borders, in meadows, or as accent plants. By not cutting Panicgrass or other grasses in your garden, wildlife will benefit from the cover offered by the thick blades that protect from predators and from changing temperatures. This plant can also be used to provide erosion control on seaside dunes and roadsides.
Wildlife Value: The seeds provide food for birds throughout the fall and winter months. The grass blades provide nesting material and cover for birds throughout the year.
Plant Details:
Other Common Names: Bitter Panicgrass
Plant Type: Grass
New Jersey Native: Yes
Bloom Times: Summer, Late Summer to Fall
Bloom Colors: Blue
Deer Resistance: Some
Attracts Pollinators and Wildlife: Birds
Salt Tolerance: Medium
Hardiness Zone: 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b
Physiographic Region: Piedmont - P, Coastal Plain - CP
Grows in Special Ecoregions: Barrier Island/Coastal
Soil Characteristics
Soil Type: Loam, Sandy
Soil Moisture: Dry
Soil pH: Acidic, Slightly Acidic, Neutral
Light Needs of Plant
Optimal Light: Full Sun
Light Range: Full Sun, Partial Shade
Water Needs of Plant
Soil Moisture: Dry
Drought Tolerance: High
Size and Growth Rate
Height: 3 - 4 ft
Spread: 2 - 3 ft
Growth Rate: Medium