Dichanthelium is genus of flowering plants of the grass family, Poaceae.

[2] Its species are still treated as members of Panicum by some authorities, because the two genera are very similar in form.

[3] Molecular data support the recognition of Dichanthelium as a separate genus.

[3] The name Dichanthelium originates from the Greek for "twice-flowering", in reference to the vernal and autumnal growth phases.

[3] In the Chicago area, Dichanthelium is considered the most emblematic genus of the Gulf and Atlantic coastal plain disjunct habitat found in that region.