Dichanthelium commutatum

Dichanthelium commutatum, the variable panicgrass or variable witchgrass, is a perennial bunchgrass in the family Poaceae, subfamily Panicoideae, native to eastern North America from Maine south to Florida and west to Texas. The species is dimorphic, producing an early vernal phase that bears a terminal open panicle of small spikelets, followed in summer by a more compact axillary and basal autumnal phase, a pattern characteristic of the genus Dichanthelium. Stems are typically 20–80 cm tall and the leaves are flat and lanceolate, with a short ciliate ligule. The plant grows in moist deciduous woodlands and on dry rocky wooded slopes alike, showing medium tolerance to shade and drought. It is considered an indicator species for shortleaf pine-oak-hickory woodland in the Red Hills region and for longleaf pine woodlands in northern Florida. Flowering occurs from May to October. The species is listed as endangered in Illinois.