Desert Panicgrass
Panicum urvilleanum
Family: Poaceae or Gramineae
What it is like
Panicum urvilleanum is a PERENNIAL growing to 1 m (3ft 3in). The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Wind. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.
Height (m): 1
Where it is found
Sandy places in deserts and creosote bush scrub in California.
South-western N. America - California and Arizona. S. America - Peru, Chile, Argentina.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 2
Seed - cooked or ground into a powder and used as a flour. The seed has a mild flavour and can be used like millet.
Seed: includes nuts, cereals, peas and beans.
Medicine
Rating: 0
Other
Rating:
How it is grown
We have almost no information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. Prefers a moderately fertile well-drained soil in full sun. Succeeds in ordinary garden soil.
Propagating it: Seed - sow spring in a greenhouse and only just cover the seed. Germination should take place within a week. Prick out the seedlings into trays or individual pots and plant them out after the last expected frosts. Division in spring. Very easy, larger divisions can be planted out direct into their permanent positions. We have found that it is better to pot up the smaller divisions and grow them on in light shade in a cold frame until they are well established before planting them out in late spring or early summer.
Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;
Habit: Perennial
Hardiness:
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: No shade
Moisture: Dry, moist