Panicum capillare aka Witchgrass

Taxonomy

Panicum capillare, commonly known as witchgrass, is a species of grass that can be found in various habitats. It is a native plant to most of North America, ranging from the East Coast to the West Coast and California. Additionally, it has been introduced as an invasive species in Eurasia and can be found as a weed in gardens and landscaped areas. This annual bunchgrass can grow up to 60-100cm in height and forms loose tufts with flat, linear mid-green leaves up to 30cm long. During late summer and autumn, it produces dense panicles of tiny greenish-brown spikelets on delicate branchlets. The plant is green to blue- or purple-tinged in color and has a hairy texture, particularly on the leaves and nodes, with a fringe of long hairs as its ligule. Witchgrass is considered invasive in New Caledonia and New Zealand. To control its spread, manual weeding is recommended.

Common names

Witchgrass, Old Witch Grass, Witchgrass Panic

How to care for Witchgrass

Difficulty

Even if you don't have a green thumb, you can successfully care for Witchgrass due to its easy-going nature.

Water

Witchgrass should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Witchgrass loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

Witchgrass thrives in bright and direct sunlight. To ensure your plant receives enough light to survive, place it less than one foot from a window. The current weather in your area may affect the placement in your home. For example, if you live in a region that has longer and more intense periods of sunlight, then you may want to place the plant farther away from the window to avoid direct sunlight and reduce the risk of sunburn. Alternatively, if you live in a region with relatively milder temperatures and less intense sunlight, then you may be able to place the plant closer to the window for increased exposure. Ultimately, the current weather in your area should be taken into consideration when determining the best placement for your Witchgrass Panic.

Toxicity

The toxicity level of this plant has not been officially confirmed by Ploi. If there is a possibility of ingestion of plant material with an uncertain toxicity by you, a family member, or a pet, it is advisable to seek the assistance of a medical professional.

Fertilizer

Repotting the Witchgrass is necessary either when it has doubled in size or once every year, whichever happens first. With fresh potting soil replenished annually, the plant will receive all the necessary nutrients, rendering the use of fertilizer unnecessary. Keep in mind that the source of a plant's energy is the sun, not fertilizer.

Growth-pattern

The Witchgrass is a clump-forming species, with new growth originating from the soil surrounding the main plant.

Region of origin

Witchgrass’s native range is N. America - Nova Scotia to North Dakota, south to Florida and Texas. An occasional weed in Britain.


More info:
Wikipedia