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