Kleingrass [Panicum coloratum]

Origin: Africa
Use: Perennial, warm season, introduced grass that provides fair grazing for wildlife; good grazing for livestock.
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Plant Description:
General  Characteristics of Kleingrass
Life Span  Perennial
Growth Form  tall, semi-erect, bunchgrass with purple coloration around nodes.
Management:
Seeding Rate 
40" Rows: 
Broadcast: 
0.6 pound pure live seed per acre
1.7 pounds pure live seed per acre
Planting Date  March-May
Planting Depth less than 0.25 inch to 0.50 inch
pH requirement 6.5 to 8.5
pH requirement 19 to 36 inches
Soil texture 
Sandy: 
Loam: 
Clay: 
Moderate
High
High
Cold Tolerance: 7º F (minimum). Lacks cold tolerance (may winter kill in north Texas).
General  Provides fair grazing for wildlife; good grazing for livestock.
ID Features: Tufted grass grows 23 to 54 inches tall from firm, often knotty bases and has erect leaves. Stem nodes are hairless; sheaths and blades may be hairless or may have stiff, swollenbased hairs. The inflorescence is an open panicle.
Special Notes:
  • Stubble height to leave is 6-8 inches.
  • Good pasture to use in summer to allow the periodic rest other native forages require.
  • Grazing should be deferred until new plants are well established.
  • High quality forage.
  • Toxic for horses and goats (causes photosensitization).