deer-tongue witchgrass

Plant Type

Grass/Grass-like

Life Cycle

Perennial

Typical Size

1 ft. tall
1 ft. wide

Tolerant of

Occasional Flooding

Inolerant of

Dry Soil

Propagation

By seed, By division

Plant Planting Notes

Provide 3′ spacing.

Plants/Diseases

No serious insect or disease issues.

Wildlife Benefits

Fruit/seeds for birds

Leaves

The simple, alternate leaves are lanceolate with entire margins. Leaf bases wrap around the stem as a sheath.

Flowers

The small flowers are arranged in 2.5-6″ panicles with spreading, whorled, lateral branches. In the fall, inflorescence remain within sheaths.

Fruit

Caryopsis

Bark

Terete stems.

Toxicity

No known toxicity.

Light Exposure

Full Sun, Part Sun/Shade, Full Shade

Soil Moisture

Moist

Soil Drainage

Well-drained

Soil pH

Acidic (less than 6.0), Neutral (6.0-8.0)

Native in South Carolina?

Yes

Plant Native Habitat

Shaded to filtered woodlands, ditches and low areas, and often in moist sandy soil.

Global Conservation Status (NatureServe)

Secure (G5)

Federal Conservation Status (USFWS)

Not Listed

Distribution Notes

Common in the SC Mountains and Piedmont, and uncommon in the Coastal Plain