Panicum ctnceps Michx., beaked panicum 
DESCRIPTION 
Warm-season, weak, rhizomatous perennial. 
Height: 2 to 4 feet. 
Leaf blade: Folded at base; somewhat V-shaped at tip; about 
1/2 inch wide; upper side hairy near base; stiffly erect, 
giving the plant a distinct upright appearance. 
Leaf sheath: Mostly basal; keeled; frequently purple tinged; 
covered with soft hair. 
Ligule: Minute membrane. 
Seedhead: Open panicle 6 to 14 inches long; each spikelet 1/4 
to 1/8 inch long; second glume curved at end like a bird’s 
beak. 
GROWTH CHARACTERISTICS 
Growth starts in February. Most of the vegetative growth is 
completed by May or June. Plants remain green until fall. Seed- 
heads appear during September. Beaked panicum is a prolific seed 
producer but few data are available on germination or viability. 
Tolerates shade. Pure stands are common. Forms large clumps as 
it spreads laterally from short rhizomes. 
DISTRIBUTION 
Mostly in forested region of the South and Southeast but grows 
in North and Northeast. 
SITE ADAPTATION 
Grows on moist to wet soils along margins of fresh marshes, 
swamps, and bottom lands that overflow occasionally. Grows best 
under 80- to 35-percent shade. 
USE AND MANAGEMENT 
Beaked panicum is grazed by cattle, horses, and deer. Seed are 
eaten by most upland birds and by some waterfowl. 
This grass maintains its production and fits best into an annual 
grazing program if it is grazed in fall and winter and grazing is de- 
ferred during summer. 
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