Definition - What does Panicle mean?

A panicle is a flower cluster that usually grows at the end of a stem or a shoot. Panicles are sometimes referred to as racemes. They come in a wide array of sizes, shapes, and colors.

Many species of grasses such as oat, rice, and rye feature panicles. Unlike some flower clusters, panicles tend to be loose and open instead of densely bunched.

Each flower of a panicle has the potential to develop into a fruit and produce seed if fertilized.

MaximumYield explains Panicle

A panicle forms on the end of a plant’s stem or branch. It features smaller stems that branch off and at the end of each small stem a flower develops.

Some flowers on a panicle open up from the bottom upwards, and others open from the center and work their way up and down.

Panicles such as gladiolas are popular cut flowers because the flowers will continue to open after the flower has been cut and placed in water. This trait makes the cut flower last for days. Hydrangeas, lilacs, baby’s breath, yucca, and elders all produce panicle flowers.

Plants that develop panicle flowers are highly favored by gardeners because they feature longer blooming periods than other plants. Often the flower panicles will continue to blossom for weeks.

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