Dichanthelium implicatum (Fr: panic à touffe dense | En: Old field panic grass)

Dichanthelium implicatum

Common Name: Old Field Panic Grass
Other names: Dense Tufted Panic Grass

A small, clump-forming native grass that thrives in dry, open habitats such as old fields, sandy woodlands, rock outcrops, and barrens. Dichanthelium implicatum is an understated but ecologically valuable and beautiful grass species, offering excellent ground cover for erosion-prone sites and supporting various insects.

It grows in neat tufts with slender, somewhat bluish-green leaves and produces airy seed heads in early to mid-summer. This species is drought-tolerant, non-invasive, and ideal for naturalized plantings in dry, low-nutrient soils. It works well as a companion plant in alvar restorations, dry meadows, or along sunny woodland edges.

Height: 30–60 cm
Bloom Time: Early to mid-summer
Habitat: Dry open woods, fields, alvars, sand or gravel barrens
Light Requirements: Full sun to part shade
Moisture: Dry to moderately dry
Soil: Sandy, rocky, or loamy; well-drained
Ecological notes: Provides food and habitat for insects and seed-eating birds; helps stabilize soil.