Kleingrass
Scientific Name: Panicum coloratum L.
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| General Information | |
|---|---|
| Usda Symbol | PACO2 |
| Group | Monocot |
| Life Cycle | Perennial |
| Growth Habits | Graminoid |
| Native Locations | PACO2 |
Plant Guide
Alternate Names
Common Names: Blue Panicgrass, Klein Grass, Klinegrass
Description
General: Kleingrass is a warm-season, perennial bunchgrass native to Africa (USDA NRCS, 2003). It begins green up in late winter or early spring and continues to grow until late fall (Alderson and Sharp, 1994). Plants grow 3 to 4 feet tall with erect stems ranging from 20 to 47 inches from a knotty base (Hatch et al., 1993). The seed head is a fan-shaped, fine-branched panicle similar to switchgrass. Kleingrass reproduces by seed and rhizomes (Gould, 1975). Breeding and selection programs have utilized the variability in kleingrass germplasm to expand the area of adaptation and use in the southern plains (Holt and Conrad, 1966). Kleingrass has an average of 500,000 seeds per pound (USDA NRCS, 2012b). Distribution: For current distribution, please consult the Plant Profile page for this species on the PLANTS Web site.
Adaptation
Kleingrass is adapted to a variety of soils and environments. It will thrive on heavy soils, under dry or wet conditions, shallow sandy soils, and river bottom clays. It is also successful on sites with deep sands and medium textured soils (Holt et al., 1968). Kleingrass is also drought hardy and tolerates moderate salinity (Alderson and Sharp, 1994). It will produce optimum forage in areas receiving 18-30 inches of annual precipitation or under irrigation management.
Uses
Livestock: Kleingrass provides excellent forage for livestock. It is commonly used as a forage or hay for cattle. The plant produces an abundance of high quality forage.
Forage
quality research conducted at the James E. “Bud” Smith Plant Materials Center found kleingrass produced a crude protein level which ranged from 17% in April to 7% in November, while digestibility (in vitro dry matter digestibility) ranged from near 70% to 53% for the same time period. Kleingrass forage yields ranged from 1,500 lb/acre to approximately 12,500 lb/acre at the end of the growing season (USDA NRCS, 2012a). Wildlife: Kleingrass provides fair grazing for wildlife as well as seed for birds and small mammals (Texas A&M, 2014). The dense foliage also provides excellent cover for nesting birds and small mammals (Alderson and Sharp, 1994). Conservation: Kleingrass has many other conservation benefits including: soil stabilization and re-vegetation on depleted soils or range conditions. It can also be used to prevent soil erosion on embankments, ditches, and other highly erodible sites (USDA NRCS, 2012b).
Status
This plant may become weedy or invasive in some regions or habitats and may displace desirable vegetation if not properly managed. Please consult with your local NRCS Field Office, Cooperative Extension Service office, state natural resource, or state agriculture department regarding its status and use. Please consult the PLANTS Web site (http://plants.usda.gov/) and your State Department of Natural Resources for this plant’s current status (e.g., threatened or endangered species, state noxious status, and wetland indicator values).
Planting Guidelines
The full seeding rate for kleingrass is 1.5 pure live seed per acre. When planting this as a component of a seed Natural Resources Conservation Service Plant Guide USDA-NRCS/James E. "Bud" Smith PMC Knox City, TX
Management
Plantings should be well established before livestock grazing is permitted, Twelve months grazing deferment should give plants enough time to become established, Established stands of kleingrass should not be grazed lower than 4-6 inches, depending upon the prescribed grazing system (USDA NRCS, 2012b), Use soil moisture sensors to measure the soil moisture of Kleingrass., Contact your local U,S, Department of Agriculture-NRCS field office for assistance in planning and applying prescribed grazing plans, Soil test should be conducted to determine the amount of fertilizer to apply to sustain a medium fertility level, Kleingrass responds well to fertilizer applications (Alderson and Sharp, 1994), Nitrogen should not be used during the establishment year because it will encourage weed growth, Consult your local extension weed specialist for recommendations on herbicides for kleingrass,
Pests and Potential Problems
Photosensitization is a disease associated with a hypersensitivity of small ruminants such as sheep and goats to sunlight (Bridges et al., 1987). The disease has been linked to small ruminants grazing Panicum species, including Panicum coloratum. Regrowth following defoliation or from favorable moisture conditions has shown to be more toxic than older or dormant foliage. Symptoms include discharges from the eyes and nose and sunburn and edema of skin on the muzzle, and must be removed immediately from the pasture to avoid death. Signs in horses are more difficult to detect (Texas A&M, 2014). Cattle appear to be unaffected from this toxin.
Environmental Concerns
Concerns
Concerns
None Known
Control
Please contact your local agricultural extension specialist or county weed specialist to learn what works best in your area and how to use it safely. Always read label and safety instructions for each control method
Seeds and Plant Production
Plant Production
Plant Production
Kleingrass is indeterminate in seed maturity, which means seed matures at different times making harvesting a challenge. A good time to plan harvests is 5 to 10 days after the first seed shattering occurs (Holt et al., 1968). Kleingrass is harvested by direct combining, or by swathing and windrowing the plant, then combining the windrows. Seed can also be harvested with a seed stripper. Long-term harvest records at the James E. “Bud” Smith Plant Materials Center shows kleingrass produces on average about 40 bulk pounds in June and 75 pounds in September. The majority of seed is set between May and September (Gould, 1978). USDA-NRCS James E. "Bud" Smith PMC Cultivars, Improved, and Selected Materials (and area of origin) ‘Selection 75’ kleingrass was released in 1969 from the USDA-NRCS James E. “Bud” Smith Plant Materials Center in Knox City, TX. It was selected at the USDA Soil Conservation Service Nursery in San Antonio, Texas from a large number of similar African accessions. USDA ARS and Texas Agriculture Experiment Station released ‘TEM-LD1’ in 1991. ‘TEM-LD1’ originated from a base population of Selection 75 and OKPC-1germplasm for quick germination. USDA ARS released ‘TEM-SR1’ in 1992. ‘TEM-SR1’ was selected for seed shatter resistance. ‘Verde’ was released from Texas Agriculture Experiment Station and the James E. “Bud” Smith Plant Materials Center in 1982. ‘Verde’ was selected for larger seed size and improved seedling vigor over ‘Selection 75’ kleingrass. ‘OKPC-1’ was released by the Oklahoma Agriculture Experiment Station in 1982. ‘OKPC-1’ was selected for increased cold tolerance. Cultivars should be selected based on the local climate, resistance to local pests, and intended use. Consult with your local land grant university, local extension or local USDA NRCS office for recommendations on adapted cultivars for use in your area.
Literature Cited
Alderson, J. and W.C. Sharp. 1994. Grass varieties in the United States. USDA Agr. Handbook 170. p. 190-191. Bridges, C.H., B.J. Camp, C.W. Livingston, and E.M. Bailey. 1987. Kleingrass (Panicum coloratum L.) Poisioning in Sheep. Vet Pathol 1987 24:525. Gould, F.W. 1975. The Grasses of Texas. Texas A&M Univ. Press, College Station. p. 452-454. Gould, F.W. 1978. Common Texas grasses an illustrated guide. Texas A&M Univ. Press, College Station. pp. 165. Hatch, S.L. and J. Pluhar. 1993. Texas Range Plants. Texas A&M Univ. Press, College Station. p. 136-137. Holt, E.C., A.C. Novosad, J.N. Pratt. 1968. Kleingrass. Texas A&M Univ. Press, College Station. pp2. Holt, E.C., and B.E. Conrad. 1966. Kleingrass. Soil and Crop Sciences Department, College Station, and Coastal Bend Experiment Station, Beeville, TX. Texas A&M Extension Service. 2014. Kleingrass (Panicum coloratum). Plants of Texas Rangelands. Available at: http://essmextension.tamu.edu/plants/plant/kleingrass/. Accessed 31 March 2014. USDA, NRCS 2014. The PLANTS database, Version 3.5 (http://plants.usda.gov) . National Plant Data Center, Baton Rouge, LA 70874-4490 USA. USDA NRCS 2012a. Technical Note: Forage Production, Nutritive Quality and Growth Patterns of Various Warm Season Grasses. Available at: http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_PLANTMATERIALS/publications/txpmctn11188.pdf. Published May 2012. USDA NRCS. 2012b. Release Brochure for Kleingrass, (Panicum coloratum L.). Available at: http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_PLANTMATERIALS/publications/txpmcrb11371.pdf. Published August 2012. USDA-NRCS James E. "Bud" Smith PMC Citation Carr, B.C. 2014. Plant Guide for Kleingrass (Panicum coloratum L.). USDA-Natural Resources
Conservation
Service, James E. “Bud” Smith Plant Materials Center. Knox City, TX, 79529. April, 2014 For more information about this and other plants, please contact your local NRCS field office or Conservation District at http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/ and visit the PLANTS Web site at http://plants.usda.gov/ or the Plant Materials Program Web site: http://plant-materials.nrcs.usda.gov. PLANTS is not responsible for the content or availability of other Web sites.
Fact Sheet
Uses
Livestock: Kleingrass can provide abundant quantities of good quality forage for cattle. However, horses, sheep and goats have been known to develop severe photosensitization and liver damage. Green grass growth following moisture or grazing is reported to be relatively more toxic than old or dormant growth. Wildlife: Kleingrass a bunch-type plant has value for nesting and loafing cover for wild birds and the small slick seed is readily eaten by quail. Whitetail deer graze young plant growth.
Status
Please consult the PLANTS Web site and your State Department of Natural Resources for this plant’s current status (e.g. threatened or endangered species, state noxious status, and wetland indicator values). Description and Adaptation: Grass Family (Poaceae). Kleingrass is a warm-season perennial bunchgrass introduced from Africa. Introductions were made as early as 1942, but it was not until the 1950’s that desirable types were introduced and evaluated. It is fine-stemmed and leafy at maturity which culms are erect, 50-120 centimeters (20-47 inches) tall, from a knotty base. Leave sheaths glabrous or with papillose based hairs and blades 2.5 millimeters (1/16 to 3/16 inches) wide, with scattered papillose based hairs on margins. Panicle is 7 to 20 centimeters (2 ¾ to 8 inches) long, spikelets on short pedicels. Spikelets are glabrous, 2.6 to 3.1 millimeters (about 1/8 inch) long with 2 florets which lower floret staminate, with long palea and upper floret fertile, glabrous, shiny, and hard, with acute apex. It is the same genus as switchgrass and blue panicum and bears a slight grass appearance. Kleingrass is quite variable in its makeup, sometimes prostrate but mostly erect. Kleingrass spreads by tillers or short rhizomes, and will root at the nodes when the stems contact with wet soils. Kleingrass is adapted to a wide range of heavy soils and dry conditions in central Texas and on wet soils in the Gulf coast. In the Rio Grande Plains it does well on shallow sites, deep sandy soils and medium textured soils. Kleingrass grows in the southern United States (Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, California, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, Florida and South Carolina) as well as Mexico. The plant is moderate salinity tolerant. It produces good forage production with 46 to 76 centimeters (18 to 30 inches) rainfall or under irrigation, but is a poor cold tolerant plant. Cures for good winter forage in drier regions.
Establishment
Kleingrass seeds drilled ¼ to ½ inch deep on fine soils and up to 1 inch deep on coarser or prepacked sandy soils, Use soil moisture sensors to measure the soil moisture of Kleingrass., Plant seeds at 2 pounds of Pure Live Seed (PLS) per acre in spring after the soil temperature reaches 60 degrees or early fall in coastal areas, Seedlings growing in a clean, firm and well-prepared ground are sturdy and have good development, but grow slow initially, Grazing should be restricted until new plants are well established, The seed is small and smooth, with approximately 500,000 seed per pound,
Management
Kleingrass is used for hay, pasture and silage. Fertilization is necessary for optimum growth and quality. Although kleingrass may not respond to high rates of fertilizer, essentially all soils, especially in the higher rainfall areas, will need fertilization to maintain production. A soil test is the best way to determine fertilization needs for establishment and production.
Pests and Potential Problems
There are no known serious pests of kleingrass.
Plant Traits
Growth Requirements
| CaCO3 Tolerance | Medium |
|---|---|
| Frost Free Days, Minimum | 190 |
| Frost Free Days, Minimum | 190 |
| Frost Free Days, Minimum | 180 |
| Fire Tolerance | None |
| Fire Tolerance | Medium |
| Fire Tolerance | Medium |
| Fertility Requirement | Medium |
| Fertility Requirement | High |
| Fertility Requirement | High |
| Drought Tolerance | High |
| Drought Tolerance | High |
| Drought Tolerance | High |
| Cold Stratification Required | No |
| Cold Stratification Required | No |
| Cold Stratification Required | No |
| Temperature, Minimum (°F) | 7 |
| CaCO3 Tolerance | Medium |
| CaCO3 Tolerance | High |
| Anaerobic Tolerance | None |
| Anaerobic Tolerance | Low |
| Anaerobic Tolerance | Low |
| Adapted to Medium Textured Soils | Yes |
| Adapted to Medium Textured Soils | Yes |
| Adapted to Medium Textured Soils | Yes |
| Adapted to Fine Textured Soils | Yes |
| Adapted to Fine Textured Soils | Yes |
| Adapted to Fine Textured Soils | Yes |
| Adapted to Coarse Textured Soils | No |
| Adapted to Coarse Textured Soils | No |
| Adapted to Coarse Textured Soils | No |
| Hedge Tolerance | None |
| Temperature, Minimum (°F) | -3 |
| Temperature, Minimum (°F) | -23 |
| Shade Tolerance | Intolerant |
| Shade Tolerance | Intolerant |
| Shade Tolerance | Intolerant |
| Salinity Tolerance | High |
| Salinity Tolerance | High |
| Salinity Tolerance | High |
| Root Depth, Minimum (inches) | 16 |
| Root Depth, Minimum (inches) | 16 |
| Root Depth, Minimum (inches) | 16 |
| Precipitation, Minimum | 20 |
| Precipitation, Minimum | 19 |
| Precipitation, Minimum | 19 |
| Precipitation, Maximum | 36 |
| Hedge Tolerance | None |
| Hedge Tolerance | None |
| Moisture Use | Medium |
| Moisture Use | Medium |
| Moisture Use | Medium |
| pH, Maximum | 7.5 |
| pH, Maximum | 8.5 |
| pH, Maximum | 8.5 |
| pH, Minimum | 5.0 |
| pH, Minimum | 6.5 |
| pH, Minimum | 6.5 |
| Precipitation, Maximum | 30 |
| Precipitation, Maximum | 36 |
Morphology/Physiology
| Active Growth Period | Summer |
|---|---|
| Toxicity | Slight |
| Toxicity | Slight |
| Toxicity | Slight |
| Shape and Orientation | Semi-Erect |
| Shape and Orientation | Semi-Erect |
| Shape and Orientation | Erect |
| Resprout Ability | No |
| Resprout Ability | No |
| Flower Conspicuous | No |
| Fall Conspicuous | No |
| Fire Resistant | No |
| Fire Resistant | No |
| Fire Resistant | No |
| Flower Color | Yellow |
| Flower Color | Yellow |
| Flower Color | Yellow |
| Flower Conspicuous | No |
| Fall Conspicuous | No |
| Flower Conspicuous | No |
| Foliage Color | Green |
| Foliage Color | Green |
| Foliage Color | Green |
| Foliage Porosity Summer | Dense |
| Foliage Porosity Summer | Dense |
| Foliage Porosity Summer | Dense |
| Foliage Porosity Winter | Porous |
| Bloat | None |
| Resprout Ability | No |
| Active Growth Period | Summer |
| Active Growth Period | Summer |
| After Harvest Regrowth Rate | Rapid |
| After Harvest Regrowth Rate | Rapid |
| After Harvest Regrowth Rate | Rapid |
| Bloat | Low |
| Bloat | None |
| Nitrogen Fixation | None |
| C:N Ratio | High |
| C:N Ratio | Low |
| C:N Ratio | Low |
| Coppice Potential | No |
| Coppice Potential | No |
| Coppice Potential | No |
| Fall Conspicuous | No |
| Lifespan | Moderate |
| Height, Mature (feet) | 3.5 |
| Height, Mature (feet) | 3.5 |
| Known Allelopath | No |
| Known Allelopath | No |
| Known Allelopath | No |
| Leaf Retention | No |
| Leaf Retention | No |
| Leaf Retention | No |
| Foliage Porosity Winter | Porous |
| Lifespan | Moderate |
| Lifespan | Moderate |
| Low Growing Grass | No |
| Low Growing Grass | No |
| Low Growing Grass | No |
| Nitrogen Fixation | None |
| Nitrogen Fixation | None |
| Growth Rate | Rapid |
| Height, Mature (feet) | 3.5 |
| Foliage Porosity Winter | Porous |
| Foliage Texture | Fine |
| Foliage Texture | Fine |
| Foliage Texture | Fine |
| Fruit/Seed Color | Brown |
| Fruit/Seed Color | Brown |
| Fruit/Seed Color | Brown |
| Fruit/Seed Conspicuous | No |
| Fruit/Seed Conspicuous | No |
| Growth Form | Bunch |
| Growth Form | Bunch |
| Growth Form | Bunch |
| Growth Rate | Rapid |
| Growth Rate | Rapid |
| Fruit/Seed Conspicuous | No |
Reproduction
| Fruit/Seed Persistence | No |
|---|---|
| Propagated by Tubers | No |
| Propagated by Tubers | No |
| Propagated by Tubers | No |
| Propagated by Sprigs | No |
| Propagated by Sprigs | No |
| Propagated by Sprigs | No |
| Propagated by Sod | No |
| Propagated by Sod | No |
| Propagated by Sod | No |
| Propagated by Seed | Yes |
| Propagated by Seed | Yes |
| Propagated by Seed | Yes |
| Propagated by Cuttings | No |
| Propagated by Cuttings | No |
| Seed per Pound | 490000 |
| Seed per Pound | 490000 |
| Seed per Pound | 490000 |
| Seed Spread Rate | Moderate |
| Seed Spread Rate | Moderate |
| Seed Spread Rate | Moderate |
| Seedling Vigor | High |
| Seedling Vigor | High |
| Seedling Vigor | High |
| Small Grain | No |
| Small Grain | No |
| Small Grain | No |
| Vegetative Spread Rate | None |
| Vegetative Spread Rate | None |
| Vegetative Spread Rate | None |
| Propagated by Corm | No |
| Propagated by Cuttings | No |
| Bloom Period | Late Spring |
| Bloom Period | Late Spring |
| Bloom Period | Late Spring |
| Commercial Availability | Routinely Available |
| Commercial Availability | Routinely Available |
| Commercial Availability | Routinely Available |
| Fruit/Seed Abundance | High |
| Fruit/Seed Abundance | High |
| Fruit/Seed Abundance | High |
| Fruit/Seed Period Begin | Summer |
| Fruit/Seed Period Begin | Summer |
| Fruit/Seed Period Begin | Summer |
| Fruit/Seed Period End | Fall |
| Fruit/Seed Period End | Summer |
| Fruit/Seed Persistence | No |
| Fruit/Seed Period End | Summer |
| Propagated by Corm | No |
| Propagated by Corm | No |
| Propagated by Container | No |
| Propagated by Container | No |
| Propagated by Container | No |
| Propagated by Bulb | No |
| Propagated by Bulb | No |
| Propagated by Bulb | No |
| Propagated by Bare Root | No |
| Propagated by Bare Root | No |
| Propagated by Bare Root | No |
| Fruit/Seed Persistence | No |
Suitability/Use
| Palatable Browse Animal | Medium |
|---|---|
| Palatable Graze Animal | High |
| Palatable Graze Animal | High |
| Palatable Graze Animal | High |
| Palatable Human | No |
| Palatable Human | No |
| Palatable Human | No |
| Post Product | No |
| Post Product | No |
| Post Product | No |
| Protein Potential | Medium |
| Protein Potential | Medium |
| Protein Potential | Medium |
| Pulpwood Product | No |
| Pulpwood Product | No |
| Pulpwood Product | No |
| Veneer Product | No |
| Veneer Product | No |
| Veneer Product | No |
| Lumber Product | No |
| Berry/Nut/Seed Product | No |
| Berry/Nut/Seed Product | No |
| Berry/Nut/Seed Product | No |
| Christmas Tree Product | No |
| Christmas Tree Product | No |
| Christmas Tree Product | No |
| Fodder Product | Yes |
| Fodder Product | Yes |
| Fodder Product | Yes |
| Palatable Browse Animal | Medium |
| Lumber Product | No |
| Lumber Product | No |
| Naval Store Product | No |
| Naval Store Product | No |
| Naval Store Product | No |
| Nursery Stock Product | No |
| Nursery Stock Product | No |
| Nursery Stock Product | No |
| Palatable Browse Animal | High |