Coastal Panic Grass

Panicum amarum

Native
Herbaceous Perennial

Used for stabilization of coastal dunes, wind erosion control, and reclamation of gravel and mine areas; provides food and cover for wildlife.

Panicum amarum, Coastal Panic Grass, a relative of switchgrass, is a robust biomass producer native to the U.S. While other species of native warm season grasses thrive on a wide variety of soils, Coastal Panic Grass prefers sandy or well-drained soils. It can also tolerate a degree of salinity. The biomass potential of Coastal Panic Grass cannot be ignored; therefore, it should be included in biodiverse polyculture mixes.

Habitat

Sandy shores, alluvium, fields, and banks; pH 5.0-7.59

Characteristics

A warm season bunch grass with a deep root system; grows from 3’-6’ tall; 16” minimum root depth; full sun; high drought tolerance; moderate salt tolerance; blooms in September in Regions 1 and 3, and October in Region 2; bluish green leaves.

Seeding Rate

10 PLS lb per acre alone; 25% of a mix; approx. 325,000 seeds per lb

Varities - State of Origin

‘Atlantic’-VA