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Kleingrass
(Panicum coloratum)
Kleingrass is a warm season, perennial bunch grass introduced into this country from Africa. It is fine stemmed, leafy, and grows to a height of three to four feet. Kleingrass is quite variable in its makeup, with some plants diplaying abundant pubescence while others are relatively smooth. Plants vary from prostrate to erect in growth form but most are upright. Kle- ingrass spreads by tillers or short rhizomes and will root at the nodes where the stems come in contact with wet soil.
‘Selection 75’ Kleingrass is a variety that has been used extensively in Texas. It was released jointly by the Texas Agricultural Experiment Station and the Soil Conserva- tion Service for its palatability and forage production.
‘Verde’ Kleingrass is a newer released vari- ety. The seeds are slightly larger than the Selection 75, making Verde more popular for wildlife habitat, especially birds.
Kleingrass is easily established from seed. Seedlings are sturdy and have good root development, but grow slow initially. Plant- ing recommendations are 2 pure live seed pounds per acre when broadcast planted. Plant 1⁄4 to 1⁄2 inch deep using a small seed box, usually in the spring after the soil temperature reaches 60o F.
Kleingrass is extremely attractive to cattle as either green forage or cured hay. Because of high palatability, protect from overgraz- ing until the field is established. Kleingrass is not recommended for grazing horses or sheep.