Order: Poales
Family: Poaceae
Dichanthelium annulum (Ashe) LeBlond
Synonymy: Panicum annulum Ashe; Dichanthelium dichotomum var. dichotomum
Lower Taxa: none
Origin: Native
Habit: Rosette forming perennial grass
Habitat: Moist to wet soils
Range: Southern Coastal Plain counties; poorly documented
Frequency: Infrequent, widely dispersed
Rank/Status: S3-4/G5
Wetland Status: FACW
Flowering & Reproduction: Vernal flowering phase May to early June, spikelets mature by late June-early July; autumnal panicles form late July-September; spikelets mature within month of pollination
Comments: Dichanthelium annulum is a tall, gangling species with smaller length to wide ratio than either of its relatives. Modern authors include Dichanthelium annulum under Dichanthelium dichotomum var. dichotomum. Dichanthelium annulum differs from the Dichanthelium dichotomum by a number features: it occupies wetland habitats and it is taller and larger stature than the typical form of Dichanthelium dichotomum. In comparison, Dichanthelium dichotomum is a diminutive upland plant. Dichanthelium annulum is larger and occupies moister habitats the typical D. dichotomum is incapable. The name is retained for this species because it is a distinct entity in New Jersey, providing a clear difference from the typical Dichanthelium dichotomum by habitat as well a series of subtle spikelet and stem node differences from its nearest relative, Dichanthelium mattamuskeetense. Map relies on Hough (1983) and author records.
Reference Specimen: (to be provided)
