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Narrowleaf Witchgrass

Dichanthelium linearifolium

Last reviewed: September 2026

Narrowleaf Witchgrass (Dichanthelium linearifolium)
Photo: (c) Zihao Wang, some rights reserved (CC BY)

Toxicity unknown

Narrowleaf Witchgrass (Dichanthelium linearifolium) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

Light

part sun

Water

low

Size

12"–24" H × 6"–12" W

Bloom

May, Jun, Jul, Aug

Native to

AL, AR, CO, CT and 35 more states

Pollinators

bees, beetles

Before you buy

Your city may pay you to plant this

Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 452 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

Find rebates in your area

Slender rosette grass is a fine-textured native grass that forms neat, compact clumps with narrow leaves. It produces delicate seed heads from late spring through summer and turns attractive golden tones in fall before going dormant in winter.

In an HOA neighborhood

Narrowleaf Witchgrass is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.

Works well in: front yard, foundation, street edge, mid zone.

  • May look sparse in winter when dormant

Wildlife value

The seeds provide food for songbirds and small mammals, while the flowers attract native bees and beetles. Its clumping growth habit offers nesting material and shelter for beneficial insects.

Common questions

How much sun does Narrowleaf Witchgrass need?
Narrowleaf Witchgrass grows best in part sun conditions.
When does Narrowleaf Witchgrass bloom?
Narrowleaf Witchgrass blooms in May, June, July, and August.
Where is Narrowleaf Witchgrass native?
Narrowleaf Witchgrass (Dichanthelium linearifolium) is native to AL, AR, CO, CT and 35 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
What pollinators does Narrowleaf Witchgrass attract?
Narrowleaf Witchgrass draws bees and beetles.
Is Narrowleaf Witchgrass HOA-friendly?
Narrowleaf Witchgrass is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.

See all plant problem guides

Ready to grow Narrowleaf Witchgrass? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

Planning a bed around it? Start a free plan with this plant

Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz