Blue Maidencane

Amphicarpum muhlenbergianum (Schult.) Hitchc.

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Poaceae

Explanation of name:  The generic name means “both fruits,” presumably in reference to the fruits borne aboveground as well as belowground, like peanuts.   Muhlenberg was a prominent American botanist of the Revolutionary War era.

Native range: Florida, and in other southeastern states

Recognition: Rhizomatous and spreading. Stems slender, to 3’ tall; leaf blades with narrow white edges, flat, slender lance-shaped, about 4” long, having parallel lines; sheaths hairy, with a hint of blue coloration; inflorescence at stem tip, with few branches; spikelets oblong to narrowly lance-shaped, to ½ in. long; also has underground flowers and fruits.

Landscape uses:  This palatable grass provides grazing up to 9 months in South Florida. Continuous heavy grazing reduces stand vigor and encourages increaser plants like wiregrass, carpetgrass, etc.  Deferment periods will optimize plant vigor and production.

Other notes:  This decreaser begins growth (basal leaves from rhizomes) in January in South Florida.  By June 1 plant heights can average 14 inches.  In June, an inflorescence with sterile spikelets is formed as are subterranean spikelets on pedicles 5/8- ¾ inch long.  Forage yields during the summer (June, July) averaged 4000 lb./A of air-dried material.