Grass named ‘Tift H18’

Abstract

A new variety of Pennisetum alopecuroides plant named Tift H18 produces a reduced number of seeds, making it less invasive.

Claims

1. A new and distinct cultivar of Pennisetum alopecuroides plant named Tift H18, as illustrated and described herein.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

(1) The accompanying colored photographs illustrate the overall appearance and distinct characteristics of the new cultivar of Pennisetum Tift H18. The colors in the photographs are as close as possible with the photographic and printing technology utilized.

(2) Certain characteristics of this variety, such as growth and color, may change with changing environmental conditions (e.g., light, temperature, moisture, nutrient availability, or other factors). Color descriptions and other terminology are used in accordance with their ordinary dictionary descriptions, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Color designations are made with reference to the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) Colour Chart (5.sup.th edition, 2007).

(3) FIG. 1 is a photograph of a Tift H18 plant at anthesis in a research plot (year of establishment) in Tifton, Ga.

(4) FIG. 2 is a photograph of a Tift H18 plant at anthesis in yard (year of establishment) in Union County Ga.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

(5) The new cultivar Tift H18 is a vigorous perennial at Blairsville, Ga. (USDA Zone 7a). The new cultivar Tift H18 survived 90, 95, and 101 days below 0 C. and low temperatures of 9, 29, and 17 C. for the winters of 2012/2013, 2013/2014, and 2014/2015, respectively at Blairsville, Ga. in a landscape setting where no herbicides were used.

(6) All data are from plants established as single stem propagules in mid-April to mid-May and rated in September through October, except 2015 data from Blairsville, Ga. was collected from plants established in 2014. Plant: Mature inflorescence height.28-70 cm. Mature leaf height.12-55 cm. Diameter of plant canopy.55-62 cm. Inflorescence length.9-15 cm. Number of Inflorescences per plant.14-63. Leaf: Number of culms per plant.Number is approximately the same as the number of inflorescences per plant (see Table 4), because most of the major culms produce an inflorescence. Leaf width.3.7-4.6 mm. Leaf length.21-28.3 cm. Adaxial leaf surface trichomes.Glabrous. Abaxial leaf surface trichomes.Glabrous. Leaf blade margin trichome length.Sparse, less than 0.5 mm long. Leaf collar trichomes.Medium density, 1 mm long. Sheath trichomes.Glabrous. Ligule.Yes. Ligule trichomes.1 mm long. Sheath trichomes.Glabrous. Adaxial leaf color.Green 139B. Abaxial leaf color.Green 139D. Inflorescence color.Greyed Orange 165C. Disease susceptibility.Although rust (Puccinia substriata), leaf spot (Pyricularia grisea), and Helminthosporium sp. leaf spot are common diseases for Pennisetum in Tifton, Ga. due to its humid and warm climate; to date, Tift H18 has not presented any disease symptoms. Pest susceptibility.No pest susceptibility has been observed for Tift H18. Hardiness.Tift H18 has survived 64, 97, and 96 d below 0 C. and low temperatures of 12 C., 18 C., and 17 C., in 2012, 2014, and 2015, respectively in Blairsville, Ga.