Witchgrass

(Panicum capillare)

Witchgrass (Panicum capillare)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Panicum capillare, commonly known as Witchgrass, is an annual grass native to a variety of habitats including open fields, roadsides, agricultural land, and disturbed areas throughout the USA, Southern Canada, and Northern Mexico. It typically grows decumbent or erect to heights exceeding one meter (3 feet) and is characterized by its green to blue- or purple-tinged foliage. The plant’s texture is quite hairy, particularly on the leaves and at the nodes, which can help distinguish it from other grasses. The inflorescence is a large, open panicle that may be over half the total length of the plant, up to half a meter long, and at maturity, it fans out, spreading to a width over 20 centimeters. Notably, as the plant dies and dries, the panicle may break off whole and become a tumbleweed, an adaptation that aids in seed dispersal.

Witchgrass is not commonly cultivated for ornamental purposes but may be used in restoration projects or as a cover crop due to its rapid growth and ability to thrive in poor soils. It is valued for its adaptability to a range of light conditions, from full sun to part shade, and its tolerance of various water regimes and soil types with slow, medium, or fast drainage. However, it can become a nuisance in gardens and agricultural settings due to its vigorous self-seeding and potential to outcompete other plants. Gardeners should be aware of its potential to become weedy and manage it accordingly.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Grass
  • Height: 0.8-1.5 feet
  • Width: 0.427-0.8 feet
  • Growth Rate: Moderate
  • Flower Color: N/A
  • Flowering Season: Summer, Fall
  • Leaf Retention:

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
  • Water: Low, Medium
  • Drainage: Fast, Medium, Slow

Common Uses

Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Low Maintenance, Rabbit Resistant

Natural Habitat

Open fields, roadsides, agricultural land, and disturbed areas

Other Names

Common Names: Witch Grass , Common Panicgrass , Common Witchgrass , Hårfin Hirse , Haarästige Hirse , Hapsihirssi , Millet Capillaire , Panic Capillaire , Heksehirse , Draadgierst

Scientific Names: Panicum capillare , Panicum barbipulvinatum , Panicum capillare var. brevifolium , Panicum riparium , Panicum capillare var. occidentale , Panicum capillare subsp. capillare , Panicum capillare subsp. barbipulvinatum , Panicum capillare var. barbipulvinatum , Panicum capillare var. agreste , Panicum elegantulum

GBIF Accepted Name: Panicum capillare L.