Groundcover & Vines – Tall – Deer Tongue Grass

Deer Tongue Grass

Botanical name: panicum clandestinum 

Beginner friendly?: yes

Average size at maturity: 1-4 ft in height with a 1-2 ft spread 

Hardy zone: zones 4-8 

Growth rate: reaches fully mature size in 1-2 growing seasons 

Foliage color: green 

Flower color: green/purple/orange/yellow/white 

Bloom time:  spring, summer 

Pruning instructions: prune to maintain desired shape and size during the late winter/early spring before new growth begins to emerge 

Propagation methods: propagate by division during the spring or fall months 

Landscape use: wildlife habitats, erosion control, background plant 

Special features: drought tolerant, shade tolerant, improves soil quality 

Light needs: 4-6 hours of sun per day 

Watering instructions: keep soil consistently moist but not soggy 

Fertilizing instructions : use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer once a year in the early spring 

Best time to plant: spring 

Best type of soil:  clay, loam 

Companion plants: ferns, wild ginger, rough goldenrod 

Toxicity level: non-toxic to humans and pets 

Invasive species: potentially invasive