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Maidencane

Panicum hemitomon

Last reviewed: September 2026

Maidencane (Panicum hemitomon)
Photo: Internet Archive Book Images, no known copyright restrictions (public domain)

Toxicity unknown

Maidencane (Panicum hemitomon) 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.

The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Maidencane as toxic to livestock.

Light

part sun

Water

high

Size

24"–60" H × 12"–36" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep

Native to

AL, DE, FL, GA and 9 more states

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 459 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

East Central Texas PlainsWestern Gulf Coastal PlainSouth Central PlainsMiddle Atlantic Coastal PlainSoutheastern PlainsMississippi Alluvial PlainSouthern Coastal PlainSouthern Florida Coastal Plain

Maidencane is a tall native grass that thrives in wet conditions and boggy areas. It produces delicate seed heads from summer through fall and forms spreading colonies over time. This grass is best suited for rain gardens, pond edges, or naturally moist areas of the landscape.

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In an HOA neighborhood

Maidencane takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Works well in: backyard only.

  • Very tall and informal appearance
  • Spreads aggressively to form colonies
  • Requires consistently wet conditions

Wildlife value

The seed heads provide food for birds and waterfowl. It offers nesting habitat and cover for wildlife in wetland areas.

Common questions

How much sun does Maidencane need?
Maidencane grows best in part sun conditions.
When does Maidencane bloom?
Maidencane blooms in June, July, August, and September.
Where is Maidencane native?
Maidencane (Panicum hemitomon) is native to AL, DE, FL, GA and 9 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
Is Maidencane toxic to livestock?
The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Maidencane as toxic to livestock.
Is Maidencane HOA-friendly?
Maidencane takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.

See all plant problem guides

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