Source: Magness et al. 1971
Three species ofPanicum, one introduced from India and two from Africa, are of some importance in parts of the United States.
Blue panicgrass, P. antidotale Retz., native to India, was introduced via Australia in 1912. It has a coarse, vigorous root system and is sodforming. Forage yields are high on fertile, well drained soils. It is important in parts of southwestern United States, both for dry-land and irrigated pastures. It is not winter hardy in northern locations.
Kleingrass, P. coloratum L., is a complex of grasses which includes both bunch and sod-forming types. It was introduced from Africa. Adapted to moist, heavy soil, it is used for pasture, hay and silage - mainly in South Texas. Plants have slender stems up to 4 feet, with abundant dark green leaves.
Guineagrass, P. maximum Jacq., is a warm-season, spreading grass from Africa used to a limited extent for pastures and silage in Florida and other southern areas. It is a tall, coarse grower with high nutritive value when leafy and green. It is not cold hardy. Propagation is by sod pieces.