Elephantgrass | |
| Species: | Elephantgrass |
| Scientific Name: | Pennisetum purpureum |
| Cultivars: | Mott (dwarf type), Common (Tall Type), Merkeron, Chinese cross, S-41. |
| Growth Habit: | Long leaf-blades with no hair, long internode; large hairy node, ligule and sheath. Dwarf types are 1-2 inches at internode and tall types are 4- 7 inches. |
| Life Cycle: | Perennial |
| Origin: | Africa |
| Production Season: | April until frost |
| Nutritive Value: | Varies depending on management and variety. Usually, low to medium crude protein, low to medium digestibility. |
| Use: | Grazing, tilage, green chop, biofuel production |
| Herbarium Image: | For an herbarium image click this link. |
Adaptation | |
| Soil: | Sand to organic. Well drained |
| pH: | |
| Rainfall: | |
| Temperature: | Warm-season, tropical to subtropical conditions. |
Management | |
| Planting Date: | May to August (North and Central FL); May to December (South FL) |
| Planting Depth: | In rows, partially covered |
| Seeding Rate: | 1000 to 1500 lb/acre of stems with 3+ nodes |
| Seed Cost: | |
| Fertilization: | Moderate to high. Also click this link |
| Production: | 14 to 18 ton/acre/year (dry biomass) is average production. However, in north-central Florida, dry biomass yields have exceeded 20 ton/acre/year. |
Notes | |
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| Click on photo to view full size. |