Panicum obtusum H. B. K., vine-mesquite 
DESCRIPTION 
Warm-season, stoloniferous perennial. 
Height: 1-1/2 to 2-1/2 feet. 
Leaf blade: Long; narrow; upright; smooth. 
Leaf sheath: Mostly basal; one-half to three-fourths as long as 
internodes. 
Stolon: Several feet long; long internodes; nodes swollen and 
covered with hair. 
Seedhead: Narrow panicle 1 to 4 inches long; spikelets large, 
nearly round, brownish. 
GROWTH CHARACTERISTICS 
Growth starts in April or May. Produces seedheads in July and 
August. Seed are slow to disseminate. Reproduces from stolons 
and from seed. Often associated with other grasses but grows in 
more or less pure stands. 
DISTRIBUTION 
Throughout Southwest, northern Mexico, north to Colorado, and 
east to Missouri. 
SITE ADAPTATION 
Grows mostly in small depressions or along drainageways where 
water accumulates. Grows best on sandy to sandy loam soils. Also 
grows on clay loams and gravelly loams. 
USE AND MANAGEMENT 
Grazing is the primary use of vine-mesquite but it has been cut 
for hay. It is used to control erosion in waterways and small gul- 
lies. Quail and doves eat the seed in fall and early winter. 
This grass is seldom abundant enough to be a key management 
species. Generally, it is less palatable than most grasses associated 
with it. Therefore, it is seldom overgrazed. When used for hay or 
erosion control, grazing should be deferred until after seed produc- 
tion. 
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