Skip to main content

Extension

Open Main MenuClose Main Menu

Common Name: Vine Mesquite

Species Name: Panicum obtusum

Plant Type: Grasses & Grass-like

Family Name: Poaceae, Grass Family

Tribe: Paniceae, Panicgrass Tribe

 

 

Plant Facts  
Origin Native
Duration Perennial
Season Warm
Distribution in the U.S. Utah and Arizona east to Missouri, Arkansas and into southern Mexico
Distribution in Oklahoma Western half of the state

 

 

ID Characteristics

  • Field Identification Characteristics

    Vegetative

    • Wiry stolons (runners) give vine-like appearance
    • Nodes swollen with prominent fuzzy hairs

    Floral

      • Large oval spikelets close to stem of upright seed head
      • Seed head can have sheath that terminates as vertical flag leaf
  • Leaf and Stem Characteristics
    • Plant Height: 25-60 centimeters
    • Ligule Type: Membranous
    • Sheath: Glabrous or villous
    • Leaves: Basal and cauline
  • Floral Characteristics
    • Inflorescence Type: Panicles
    • Florets Per Spikelet: 2
    • Glumes: Nearly equal

 

 

Habitat/Ecology  
Soil Type Sandy, clay and gravelly soils
Habitat Pure stands on the banks of streams and ponds, in depressions and in drainage ways
Successional Stage Mid to late

 

Topics:
MENUCLOSE