Panicum clandestinum (Deertongue)

A genuinely tough reclamation species, deertongue's high tolerance for aluminum and other metal concentrations makes it a proven choice for revegetating reclaimed mine spoils and other severely disturbed sites - while its foliage supports multiple named skipper butterflies and moths.

Species Overview

Panicum clandestinum (also classified as Dichanthelium clandestinum), commonly known as deertongue grass, is a native, warm-season perennial grass found in shady moist woodland areas, moist sandy soil, ditches, and roadsides across eastern North America. It reaches up to 3 feet tall, with distinctive broad, tongue-shaped leaves that give the plant its common name.

Application

• Reclamation of disturbed sites - mine spoils, pipelines, and poor or infertile soils
• Erosion control on streambanks and wooded slopes
• Larval host habitat for multiple skipper butterflies and moths
• Naturalized moist woodland and roadside plantings

Growing Conditions / Specification Data

• Light: Part Shade to Full Sun
• Soil/Moisture Tolerance: Sandy to clay soils; tolerant of both dry and wet conditions; high tolerance for aluminum and other metals
• Drought Tolerance: High
• Flood Tolerance: Moderate - A moist meadow grass tolerant of periodically wet soil.
• Plant Type: Graminoid
• Mature Height: 2-4 ft.
• Fall Color: Insignificant/None
• Wetland Indicator Status: NI (No Indicator) - see flags
• Native Range: Northeast/Mid-Atlantic (full list)
• Hydrology: Mesic-Moist
• Root Depth: Moderate (12-24 in.)
• Salinity Tolerance: Low
• Growth Rate: Moderate
• Deer Resistance: Yes (Rarely Damaged)
• Shade Tolerance: Intermediate
• Growth Habit: Spreading - rhizomatous
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 4-9
• Pollinator Value: Larval host, supports butterflies, supports moths

Planting Guidance

• Establishes quickly in poor or disturbed soils; young foliage is grazed by cattle, horses, sheep, deer, and rabbits, so some browse pressure should be expected in livestock-adjacent sites.