 Photo Courtesy of Herbarium Photographer |
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| Common Name(s) | Panic Grass | ||||
| Scientific Name | Panicum virgatum | ||||
| Family | Poaceae | ||||
| Location/Vegetative Zone | Salt Marsh | ||||
| Flowering Period | August | ||||
| Identifying Characteristics | Upright grass with seeds at end, about 5 feet tall (can grow up to 8 feet) | ||||
Description
- Grows up to 8 feet, though it is generally in the 5 foot range
- Leaves are 1-3 feet long
- Seeds are 3-6 mm long
- Self-seeding crop
- Deep-rooted, perennial, rhizomatous grass
Edible Uses
- Seeds
- Ground up by Cocopah Native Americans of the Colorado River to make patties and mush
- Guarijio of Sonora made tamales, tortillas, and mixed with other ingredients to make a beverage
Cultural Uses
- Panic Grass can net up to 100 gallons of ethanol per ton, which is more efficient than corn.
Sources
“Sonoran Panic Grass”. Native Seeds. Web.
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