Dichanthium aristatum

angleton bluestem
Family

Poaceae

Leaf Arrangement

alternate

Leaf Type

simple

Leaf Shape

linear

Growth Form

graminoid

Flower Color

inconspicuous

Flower Month

June - October

Height (meters)

0.2 - 1.0

Milky Sap

No

Armed/Unarmed

Unarmed

Origin

introduced

Lifespan

perennial

Growing Season

Warm season


Prairie Coefficient of Conservatism

-2

Field Characters

Can be differentiated from D. annulatum (Kleberg Bluestem) by the pubescence on its inflorescence axis (see photo) and branch bases and foliage that often has a pink or purple tinge. Dichanthium annulatum is not pubescent on its inflorescence axis and branch bases and has pale green foliage. Dichanthium aristatum also appears to be a little smaller and less robust. It is also very similar to Bothriochloa ischaemum (Kings Ranch Bluestem), but the awn at the tip of its lemma is much longer and more conspicuous.

Cultural Information

Seeds averaged approximately 565,000/lb.

Animal Use

Poor forage for livestock and wildlife. Good bird nesting and fawning cover (Hatch el al. 1999).

Natural History

This species has become widespread in drier, warmer parts of Europe. It was introduced to the United States at scattered locations in east Texas and Louisiana as an experimental forage grass. It has apparently become established at a few scattered points in south Texas where it was sown as an experimental forage. It was introduced from southeast Asia and is now widespread in Polynesia, Africa, and Madagascar.

Habitat

Sometimes used as lawn grass.