US Patent Issued to Walters Gardens on May 12 for "Panicum grass named 'Smoking Gun'" (Michigan Inventor)

ALEXANDRIA, Va., May 12 -- United States Patent no. PP37,424, issued on May 12, was assigned to Walters Gardens Inc. (Zeeland, Mich.).

"Panicum grass named 'Smoking Gun'" was invented by Hans A. Hansen (Zeeland, Mich.).

According to the abstract* released by the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office: "A new and distinct plant of ornamental switch grass named Panicum 'Smoking Gun' with broad bluish-green foliage that retains it coloration into the fall. The foliage is upright to outwardly pointing with very little arching in the distal portion. The upright and dense culms produce tall plant with broadly-spreading airy panicles becoming tan seed heads that are retained into winter."

The patent was filed on Dec. 11, 2025, under Application No. 18/...