Deertongue Dichanthelium (Dichanthelium clandestinum)
- Family: Grass (Poaceae)
- Flowering: May-July.
- Field Marks: This species is distinguished from all species of Panicum and Dichanthelium by its broad leaves at least 3/4 inch broad and its hairy spikelets at least 1/8 inch long. The sheaths of the leaf are covered with short, stiff hairs.
- Habitat: Along streams, wet prairies; also in drier habitats.
- Habit: Perennial grass with thickened rootstocks.
- Stems: Erect, branched or unbranched, usually smooth, up to 4 feet tall.
- Leaves: Alternate, simple, broadly lanceolate, acute at the tip, heart-shaped at the base, smooth on both surfaces but rough along the edges, up to 8 inches long, up to 1 1/4 inches broad, with sheaths covered with short, stiff hairs.
- Flowers: Borne singly in spikelets, with many spikelets in a panicle; each spikelet ellipsoid, at least 1/8 inch long, hairy.
- Sepals: 0.
- Petals: 0.
- Stamens: 3.
- Pistils: Ovary superior.
- Grains: Smooth, about 1/10 inch long.
- Notes: This grass is sometimes known as Panicum clandestinum
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