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.
Rebecca Vittetoe Field Agronomist in EC Iowa
Rebecca Vittetoe is an extension field agronomist in east central Iowa. Educational programs are available for farmers, agribusiness, pesticide applicators, and certified crop advisors.
Areas of expertise include agronomy, field crop production and management of corn, soybeans, and...