Forked Panic Grass
Dichanthelium dichotomum
Last reviewed: August 2026
Toxicity unknown
Forked Panic Grass (Dichanthelium dichotomum) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.
Light
part sun
Water
medium
Size
8"–24" H × 6"–12" W
Bloom
May, Jun, Jul, Aug
Native to
AL, AR, CT, DE and 29 more states
Pollinators
bees
Before you buy
Your city may pay you to plant this
Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 445 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
Find rebates in your areaBrowse plants for this ecoregion
Dichanthelium dichotomum is a fine-textured native grass that forms neat, low clumps in partially shaded areas. This perennial grass produces delicate flower clusters from late spring through summer and goes dormant in winter. It works well as a groundcover or accent plant in naturalized garden settings.
In an HOA neighborhood
Forked Panic Grass is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 3 out of 5.
Works well in: mid zone, foundation.
- May appear weedy to those unfamiliar with native grasses
- Goes completely dormant in winter leaving bare spots
Wildlife value
The flowers attract small bees and other pollinators during the long blooming season. Seeds provide food for songbirds and small mammals in fall and winter.
Common questions
- How much sun does Forked Panic Grass need?
- Forked Panic Grass grows best in part sun conditions.
- When does Forked Panic Grass bloom?
- Forked Panic Grass blooms in May, June, July, and August.
- Where is Forked Panic Grass native?
- Forked Panic Grass (Dichanthelium dichotomum) is native to AL, AR, CT, DE and 29 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
- What pollinators does Forked Panic Grass attract?
- Forked Panic Grass draws bees.
- Is Forked Panic Grass HOA-friendly?
- Forked Panic Grass is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.
Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Ready to grow Forked Panic Grass? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz