About Dichanthelium commutatum (Schult.) Gould
Dichanthelium commutatum, commonly known as variable panicgrass or variable witchgrass, is a species of perennial graminoid native to North America. The range of D. commutatum covers the eastern United States, extending from Maine to Florida and west to Texas. It is classified as endangered in the state of Illinois. Two variations of this species are currently recognized: D. commutatum var. ashei and D. commutatum var. commutatum. D. commutatum var. commutatum grows in habitats including moist woodlands, while D. commutatum var. ashei is most frequently found in dry, rocky woods. Both varieties have medium tolerance to both shade and drought. The species is recognized as an indicator species for two habitat types: the shortleaf pine-oak-hickory woodlands of the Red Hills region in the southeastern United States, and the longleaf pine woodlands community of northern Florida. D. commutatum typically flowers from May to October.
