Panicum spp.
USDA, NRCS. 2018. The PLANTS Database (http://plants.usda.gov, 28 March 2018). National Plant Data Team, Greensboro, NC 27401-4901 USA.
Illustration courtesy of University of Florida/IFAS Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants. Used with permission.
What is Panic Grass?
Physical Characteristics
Leaves:
- Grass like
- Linear
- Flat or folded
Flowers:
- Branching
- Grow in clusters
Stem:
- Creeping rhizomes
- Hollow stem
Where Does it Grow?
Panic grass can be found on the banks of lakes, ponds, and streams and in the shallow water of lakes and ponds.
Pros and Cons of Panic Grass
Submerged portions of all aquatic plants provide habitats for many micro and macro invertebrates. These invertebrates in turn are used as food by fish and other wildlife species (e.g. amphibians, reptiles, ducks, etc.). After aquatic plants die, their decomposition by bacteria and fungi provides food (called “detritus”) for many aquatic invertebrates.
What Type of Panic Grass Do I Have?
There are three common species of panic grass in North America. Click on the buttons to learn more about each species.