Dichanthelium commutatum

Dichanthelium commutatum
Conservation status
Secure  (NatureServe) [1]
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
Clade:	Tracheophytes
Clade:	Angiosperms
Clade:	Monocots
Clade:	Commelinids
Order:	Poales
Family:	Poaceae
Subfamily:	Panicoideae
Genus:	Dichanthelium
Species:	D. commutatum
Binomial name
Dichanthelium commutatum (Schult.) Gould

Dichanthelium commutatum (known commonly as variable panicgrass or variable witchgrass) is a species of perennial graminoid native to North America. ^{[2] [3]} D. communtatums range encompasses the eastern United States, stretching from Maine to Florida and westward to Texas. ^[4] It is endangered in the state of Illinois. ^[2]

This species has two recognized variations: D. commutatum var. ashei and D. commutatum var. commutatum. D. commutatum var. commutatum can be found in habitats such as moist woodlands, while D. commutatum var. ashei is most often observed in dry, rocky woods. ^[4] Both variations have a medium tolerance for both shade and drought. ^[2] The species is considered to be an indicator species for the shortleaf pine-oak-hickory woodland habitat type found in the Red Hills region of the southeastern United States, as well as for the longleaf pine woodlands community type found in northern Florida. ^{[5] [6]}

D. communtatum generally flowers from May to October. ^[4]

References

1. NatureServe (5 September 2025). "Dichanthelium commutatum". NatureServe Explorer. Arlington, Virginia. Retrieved 13 September 2025.
2. "USDA Plants Database". plants.usda.gov. Retrieved 2025-09-12.
3. Glitzenstein, Jeff S.; Streng, Donna R.; Masters, Ronald E.; Robertson, Kevin M.; Hermann, Sharon M. (2012-01-15). "Fire-frequency effects on vegetation in north Florida pinelands: Another look at the long-term Stoddard Fire Research Plots at Tall Timbers Research Station" . Forest Ecology and Management. 264: 197–209. Bibcode:2012ForEM.264..197G. doi:10.1016/j.foreco.2011.10.014. ISSN   0378-1127.
4. Weakley, Alan S. (October 2020). Flora of the Southeastern United States. Chapel Hill, North Carolina: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
5. Clewell, Andre F. (2013). "Prior Prevalence of Shortleaf Pine-Oak-Hickory Woodlands in the Tallahassee Red Hills". Castanea. 78 (4): 266–276. doi:10.2179/13-022. ISSN   0008-7475. JSTOR   24619718.
6. Carr, Susan C.; Robertson, Kevin M.; Peet, Robert K. (2010). "A Vegetation Classification of Fire-Dependent Pinelands of Florida". Castanea. 75 (2): 153–189. doi:10.2179/09-016.1. ISSN   0008-7475. JSTOR   40793286.