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| Category: Grass |
| Family: Poaceae (Gramineae) (Grasses) |
| Origin: Asia, Southeastern (Asia) |
| Evergreen: Yes |
| Flower Color: Brown |
| Bloomtime: Not Significant |
| Synonyms: [Eulalia paniceum] |
| Height: 1-2 feet |
| Width: <1 foot |
| Exposure: Sun or Shade |
| Irrigation (H2O Info): High Water Needs |
| Winter Hardiness: 20-25° F |
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Pogonatherum paniceum (Baby Bamboo) - A clump forming compact grass with a bushy habit to 12-16 inches tall with narrow stems bearing short broad "bamboo-like" leaves congested near the tips. The flowers, which are born down in the foliage, are single racemes of laterally compressed spikelets bearing slender fine awns. The name Pogonatherum comes from the Greek "pogon" meaning beard and "ather" meaning flower, which is in reference to the fine beardlike appearance resulting from fine awns. Although from warm tropics this plant has been reported to be hardy to USDA zones 9-10 so it should take some light frosts (we have seen an internet listing noting this plant can tolerate -25F - would love to verify this). Interesting and beautiful in containers, as an edging of a rock garden or ponds, or as a groundcover where it is recommended that it be cut it to the ground occasionally to keep the planting shorter and denser. Plant in full to part sun and irrigate well. Often called dwarf bamboo, this plant is actually a true grass that is closely allied to the genus Eulalia. It comes from tropical Asia where it is often used as a fodder grass but is also used worldwide as a houseplant. We grew this plant in 2005 and 2006 but discontinued due to lack of customer interest.
The description above is based on our research and observations of this plant growing in our nursery, in our own garden and in other gardens in the Santa Barbara area. We would appreciate hearing from anyone who has additional information about this plant, even if they disagree with what we have written.
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