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.
Meaghan Anderson Field Agronomist in Central Iowa
Meaghan Anderson is a field agronomist in central Iowa and an extension field specialist at Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. Educational programming is available for farmers, agribusinesses, pesticide applicators, certified crop advisors, and other individuals interested in...