What hardiness zones is Panicum amarum suitable for?

Panicum amarum is suitable for USDA hardiness zones 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10.

What are the sun requirements for Panicum amarum?

Panicum amarum requires Full Sun.

How much water does Panicum amarum need?

Panicum amarum has Low water needs.

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Grasses & Sedges

Panicum amarum

Bitter Panicgrass

Poaceae

Eastern North America: Atlantic and Gulf coastal dunes and barrier islands from Connecticut south to Texas

At a Glance

TypeGrass

HabitClumping

FoliageDeciduous

Height48-72 inches (120-180 cm)

Width36-48 inches (90-120 cm)

Maturity3 years

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

4 - 10

Zone 4 Zone 5 Zone 6 Zone 7 Zone 8 Zone 9 Zone 10

These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.

What's my zone? →

Frost Tolerancehardy

Key Features

Deer Resistant Drought Tolerant

Native to North America

Maintenancevery low

Overview

Panicum amarum is a native dune grass of the Atlantic and Gulf coasts, growing 48-72 inches (120-180 cm) tall and 36-48 inches (90-120 cm) wide. The species name 'amarum' means 'bitter', describing the foliage taste that deters grazing. Blue-gray to steel-blue wide upright waxy leaves (the bluest foliage among native North American grasses) create a bold architectural presence. The waxy leaf coating (glaucous bloom) that produces the blue color also protects against salt spray, sand abrasion, and desiccating coastal winds. Reddish-purple airy panicles in late summer age to golden-tan. The coastal dune origin gives this species wide tolerance for salt, sand, drought, and wind, conditions that kill most ornamental grasses. The upright non-flopping habit gives strong vertical structure. Warm-season grass. Sandy well-drained soil essential; rots in clay or wet conditions. Deer avoid the bitter foliage.

Native Range

Panicum amarum is native to eastern North America, on Atlantic and Gulf coastal dunes and barrier islands from Connecticut south to Texas.

Suggested Uses

Used in coastal gardens, dune stabilization, seaside landscaping, and as a blue architectural accent. The bluest native grass for salt-tolerant situations. Not for clay or wet-soil gardens. The native dune grass.

How to Identify

Identified by blue-gray to steel-blue wide upright waxy leaves, the bluest native grass. The wide leaf blades, strong blue color, and coastal dune habitat separate this from the narrower-leaved Panicum virgatum (inland switchgrass). The waxy blue coating is the species signature.