Sarah Youngstrom

I am studying a group of grasses (Poaceae), which are essential components ofÊ North American dune and prairie landscapes. In addition, one robust species, switchgrass or Panicum virgatum, is currently being analyzed for its potential as a biofuel. Panicum virgatum, P. amarum, and P. amarum var. amarulum are the North American representatives in the subgenus Panicum section Virgata.Ê Panicum virgatum grows in many soil types and spans North America, while P. amarum and P. amarum var. amarulum are confined to the east coastal dunes.Ê Panicum urvilleanum, which grow in dunes on the west coast, will serve as my outgroup.Ê However, species boundaries of these plants are quite ambiguous.Ê These unclear distinctions may be due to the continuous and vast geographical distribution of species.Ê In addition, some species that grow in the same vicinity are thought to hybridize.Ê Through collecting trips, morphometrics, and potentially cytological and molecular work, I hope to reach conclusions regarding the taxonomy of these grasses