Dichanthelium leibergii

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Dichanthelium leibergii, or Leiberg's panicgrass, is a small perennial grass native to North America. It forms loose rosettes and has stems about 12–24 inches tall. The species is named after the botanist John Bernhard Leiberg, who worked in the western United States.

Its range extends north to Alberta, west to Kansas, and east to New York. It’s fairly common in Manitoba but rare in many parts of its range. Leiberg's panicgrass grows in prairie habitats, including wet prairie, mesic prairie, gravel hill prairie, and in dry-mesic black oak savannas and oak openings.

Conservation status varies by location. It is considered apparently secure overall, but it is state threatened in Indiana, Michigan, and Ohio, endangered in New York, and extirpated in Pennsylvania. In the Chicago region, it is a highly conservative species found in high-quality prairie remnants.

In North Dakota, the plant’s coverage increased after prescribed burning. It faces threats from habitat fragmentation, destruction, and invasive species. Effective management includes removing woody and invasive plants, conducting prescribed burns, and restoring prairie ecosystems.