Witchgrass

panicum capillare

Also known as: ["Witchgrass","Summer Grass","Bristlegrass"]

Family: Poaceae Genus: Panicum Category: Herbs & Weeds

Overview

A widespread annual grass species with fine, bristle-like seed heads, often found in disturbed areas and fields.

Benefits & Perks

["fast growing","drought tolerant"]

Botanical Classification

Phylum: Magnoliophyta
Class: Liliopsida
Order: Poales
Family: Poaceae
Genus: Panicum
Botanical Name: Panicum capillare

Plant Characteristics

Basic Information
  • Category: Herbs & Weeds
  • Suitable Location: garden bed or container in open, sunny area
  • Suitable For:
    Busy People (low Maintenance) Outdoor Landscapers
  • Is Weed: No
  • Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
  • Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–35°C"}
  • Hardiness: {"zones":"3–9"}
  • Misting: rarely required
  • Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
  • Soil Type: Well-draining, loamy soil with organic matter; can tolerate poor soils.
Maintenance Level
  • Maintenance Level: very low
  • Toughness Level: very high
  • Pruning Frequency: As needed, typically every 2–3 months or after flowering.
  • Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of growth if overgrown.
Care Details

Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily); tolerates partial shade but may become leggy.

Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to intense sunlight; protect from harsh afternoon sun in hot climates; ensure adequate spacing for airflow.

Warning Signs: Yellowing leaves, root rot, or stunted growth indicate poor soil conditions or overwatering.

Care Requirements

Care Difficulty
very easy

moderate

Sunlight

full sun to partial shade

Rotate plants for even growth; use shade cloth in extreme heat; avoid sudden light changes.

Watering

every 7–10 days during active growth, less frequently in winter

Water thoroughly but infrequently; ensure soil dries between waterings; avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal issues.

Soil

well-drained, loamy soil

pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).

Use a mix of potting soil and perlite; avoid heavy clay soils; ensure pots have drainage holes.

Temperature

Prefers warm temperatures (65–85°F or 18–29°C); tolerates heat but may go dormant in extreme cold.

Avoid sudden temperature shifts; protect from frost; ensure good airflow in hot weather.

Fertilizing

every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer

Fertilize lightly to avoid excessive growth; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup; stop fertilizing in dormant periods.

Propagation

Methods

Stem cuttings or division; stem cuttings are more common for home growers.

Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
  1. Take a 4–6 inch cutting.
  2. Remove lower leaves.
  3. Dip in rooting hormone (optional).
  4. Plant in medium.
  5. Keep moist and warm.

Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.

Environment

Warm, humid environment with indirect light; maintain consistent moisture.

Medium

Well-draining potting mix with perlite or sand; can also root in water.

Hormone

Rooting hormone is optional but recommended for faster rooting.

Timeline

Roots typically form in 2–4 weeks; new growth may take 6–8 weeks.

Tools Needed

Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, well-draining soil mix.

Quick Tips

Use healthy, non-flowering stems; maintain humidity with a plastic bag; avoid direct sunlight.

Pruning & Repotting

Pruning Guide
Method

Pinch back tips for bushier growth; cut stems just above a leaf node.

Pruning Plan

Prune to maintain shape, encourage bushiness, and remove dead or damaged growth.

Tools

Clean, sharp pruning shears or scissors.

Checklist

Sanitize tools; prune dead/damaged growth; shape as desired; dispose of clippings.

Repotting Guide
Best Season

Spring, before the active growing season begins.

Pot Size

One size larger pot (e.g., +2 inches in diameter); ensure good drainage.

Method

Remove plant gently; trim roots if needed; place in a slightly larger pot with fresh soil; water thoroughly.

Suggestions

Repot every 1–2 years or when roots outgrow the pot; promotes fresh soil and root health.

Checklist

Choose appropriate pot; prepare fresh soil mix; handle roots carefully; water after repotting.

Advanced Care Tips

Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist

Check soil moisture; water deeply; ensure drainage; avoid wetting leaves.

How to Apply Water Properly

Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone; water until it drains from the bottom; avoid wetting foliage.

Pro Tip: Water early in the morning to minimize evaporation and fungal growth.
Watering Schedule Tips

Water deeply once the top inch of soil feels dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.

Soil Improvement

Add perlite or sand for drainage; incorporate compost for fertility; ensure good aeration.

Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues

Wilting, yellowing leaves, stunted growth, or browning leaf tips.

Cold Stress

Growth slows or halts; may turn brown or die back in freezing temperatures.

Solution: Provide frost protection; move potted plants indoors; mulch to insulate roots.

Hot Stress

Leaf scorch, wilting, or browning due to excessive heat and dryness.

Solution: Increase watering; provide afternoon shade; use mulch to retain moisture.

Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist

Use diluted fertilizer; apply during growing season; avoid winter feeding.

Fertilizing Method

Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during growing season; avoid fertilizing in winter.

Common Problems & Solutions

Yellowing leaves in Panicum capillare can indicate nutrient deficiencies, such as nitrogen or iron, or may be a response to environmental stressors like drought or excessive water.

Wilting in Panicum capillare is often a sign of water stress, either due to insufficient soil moisture or root damage from pests or diseases, which can impair the plant's ability to transport water.

Leaf spots on Panicum capillare may be caused by fungal or bacterial pathogens, resulting in discolored lesions on the leaves that can lead to defoliation if severe.

Rotting in Panicum capillare is typically associated with root or stem rot caused by overwatering or fungal pathogens, leading to decay of plant tissues and eventual plant death.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Non-toxic

Panicum capillare is not considered toxic to cats. The plant does not contain known toxic compounds that would cause harm to felines.

⚡ Toxic If:

Generally non-toxic

No specific safety precautions are required for cats.
Dogs
Non-toxic

Panicum capillare is not considered toxic to dogs. The plant does not contain known toxic compounds that would cause harm to canines.

⚡ Toxic If:

Generally non-toxic

No specific safety precautions are required for dogs.
Humans
Non-toxic

Panicum capillare, commonly known as witchgrass, is not considered toxic to humans under normal circumstances. It is a common annual grass that does not produce significant toxic compounds.

⚡ Toxic If:

Generally non-toxic

No specific safety precautions are required for human contact or ingestion.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Panicum capillare toxic to pets?

A: No, it is non-toxic to dogs and cats.

Q: How does Witchgrass spread?

A: It spreads primarily through wind-dispersed seeds and can quickly colonize disturbed areas.

Q: Is Panicum capillare suitable for ornamental use?

A: While it can be used in naturalistic landscapes, it is typically considered a weed due to its invasive nature.

Quick Reference
Family: Poaceae
Care: very easy
Light: full sun to partial shade
Water: every 7–10 days during activ
Suitable For: ["busy people (low maintenance)","outdoor landscapers"]
Get Expert Care Tips

Download the Plantious app for personalized care reminders and plant identification!

Google Play App Store
Share This Plant

Related Plants

Tall Fescue
View
Smooth Brome
View
Mexican Lovegrass
View
Sweetgrass
View