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Description
Dichanthium Aristatum, also known as Angleton Grass or Purpletop, is a warm-season perennial grass that is native to the Americas. It is a member of the Poaceae family and is commonly grown for its ornamental value, as well as its use in erosion control and pasture grazing. This plant is characterized by its upright growth habit, tall stature, and unique purple seed heads that appear in late summer.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Liliopsida |
| Order | Poales |
| Family | Poaceae |
| Genus | Dichanthium |
| Species | Aristatum |
Appearance
The Dichanthium Aristatum plant typically grows to be between 2 and 4 feet tall, with a spread of 2 to 3 feet. The leaves are narrow and pointed, with a bluish-green color, and can reach up to 12 inches in length. The most notable feature of this plant is its seed heads, which are tall and narrow and have a purplish color. These seed heads can reach up to 12 inches in length and appear in late summer, lasting until the fall.
Care Guide
Dichanthium Aristatum is an easy-to-care-for plant that requires minimal maintenance. Here are some care tips:
- Water: Water the plant deeply once a week, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between watering.
- Fertilization: Fertilize the plant once a year in the spring with a balanced fertilizer.
- Soil: Plant Dichanthium Aristatum in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.
- Sunlight: This plant prefers full sun but can tolerate some shade.
- Hardiness Zones: Dichanthium Aristatum is hardy in zones 8-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Dichanthium Aristatum is generally pest and disease-free, but it can be susceptible to some issues, such as:
- Leaf Spot: This fungal disease can cause small, circular spots on the leaves.
- Smut: This fungal disease can cause black, sooty growths on the seed heads.
- Armyworms: These caterpillars can feed on the foliage and cause significant damage.
Habitat
Dichanthium Aristatum is native to the Americas and is commonly found in prairies, savannas, and open woodlands. It is also grown as an ornamental plant in gardens and landscapes in its hardiness zones.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Dichanthium Aristatum an invasive species?
A: No, Dichanthium Aristatum is not considered an invasive species.
Q: Can Dichanthium Aristatum tolerate drought?
A: Yes, this plant can tolerate drought once established.
Q: Can Dichanthium Aristatum be grown in containers?
A: Yes, this plant can be grown in containers, but it will require more frequent watering.
Q: Can Dichanthium Aristatum be used as a forage crop?
A: Yes, this plant is commonly used as a forage crop for pasture grazing.
Related Plants
- Dichanthium Annulatum
- Dichanthium Caricosum
- Dichanthium Sericeum
- Dichanthium Setosum
References
- “Dichanthium Aristatum.” Missouri Botanical Garden.
- “Purpletop (Dichanthium Aristatum).” Texas A&M AgriLife Extension.
- “Dichanthium Aristatum.” University of Florida IFAS Extension.
