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Integrated Crop Management
Integrated Crop Management
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Witchgrass

Witchgrass          Panicum capillare L.

Family: Poaceae
Life cycle: Annual
Native status: Native to North America
Habitat: Disturbed habitats, horticultural settings, crop fields

General description: Erect or decumbent, tillering plant reaching heights of 2 to 3 feet.  Hairy ligule; stems, sheaths, and leaves densely covered with long, stiff hairs. Seedhead is a large, open panicle with relatively small seed.

Key ID traits: Leaf sheaths are covered with dense, stiff hairs; leaves hairy on both surfaces.

Similar species: Large crabgrass has sheaths covered with stiff hairs, but crabgrass has membranous ligule and usually a more decumbent growth habit. Sheaths of fall panicum seedlings are covered with hairs, but become smooth as the plant grows.

Miscellaneous: Germinates later in the season than the foxtails, so much less common in crop fields.

leaf sheaths an dblades covered with dense, stiff hairs
Leaf sheaths and blades are covered with dense, stiff hairs.
inflorescence is a densely branched panicle resembling a witch's broom
Inflorescence is a densely branched panicle resembling a witch's broom
Authored by:
Bob Hartzler
Bob Hartzler
  • Retired Weed Scientist and Professor of Agronomy
Dr. Bob Hartzler is a former professor of agronomy and a former extension weed specialist with a Ph.D. in Crop Physiology from Iowa State University. He conducted research on weed biology and how it impacts the efficacy of weed management programs in corn and soybean. Dr. Hartzler also taught undergraduate classes in weed science and weed identification.
Meaghan Anderson
Meaghan Anderson
  • Field Agronomist in Central Iowa
Meaghan Anderson is a field agronomist in central Iowa and an extension specialist at Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. Areas of expertise include weed management, weed biology, cover crops, corn and soybean management, and integrated pest management.
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