When does Panicum capillare bloom?

Old-witch Grass blooms from July through September, producing small flowers that attract beetles and wasps.

What growing conditions does Old-witch Grass prefer?

Panicum capillare thrives in full sun locations with low water requirements, making it well-adapted to dry soils and drought conditions.

Where is Panicum capillare native?

Old-witch Grass is native to most U.S. states, from coast to coast including Alabama through Wyoming, demonstrating its wide adaptability to different climates.

What pollinators visit Old-witch Grass?

Beetles and wasps are the primary pollinators that visit Panicum capillare flowers during its summer blooming period.

Is Old-witch Grass HOA-friendly?

Old-witch Grass takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Old-witch Grass

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Panicum capillare

Last reviewed: June 2026

Panicum capillare (Old-witch Grass) is a native annual grass found throughout most of the United States. It blooms from July through September and tolerates dry conditions in full sun locations.

Old-witch Grass (Panicum capillare) — Photo: (c) Matt Lavin, some rights reserved (CC BY)

Light

full sun

Water

low

Size

12"–48" H × 6"–24" W

Bloom

Jul, Aug, Sep

Native to

AL, AR, AZ, CA and 44 more states

Pollinators

beetles, wasps

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Coast Range Sierra Nevada Central California Valley Central California Foothills and Coastal Mountains Southern California Mountains Central Basin and Range Mojave Basin and Range Chihuahuan Deserts Central Oklahoma/Texas Plains Edwards Plateau Texas Blackland Prairies Western Gulf Coastal Plain South Central Plains Sonoran Basin and Range

Old-witch grass is a native annual grass that forms loose, open clumps with delicate, airy seed heads. It thrives in poor soils and drought conditions, making it useful for challenging sites. The plant has a somewhat informal appearance and dies back completely each winter.

Growing Old-witch Grass

Grow Old-witch Grass in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 12 to 48 inches tall and spread 6 to 24 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.

In an HOA neighborhood

Old-witch Grass takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Works well in: backyard only.

Common name includes 'witch' which may cause concern
Can appear weedy and unkempt
Annual nature means gaps in winter landscape

Wildlife value

This grass provides seeds for birds and nesting material. It attracts beetles and wasps during its summer blooming period.

Common questions

When does Panicum capillare bloom?: Old-witch Grass blooms from July through September, producing small flowers that attract beetles and wasps.
What growing conditions does Old-witch Grass prefer?: Panicum capillare thrives in full sun locations with low water requirements, making it well-adapted to dry soils and drought conditions.
Where is Panicum capillare native?: Old-witch Grass is native to most U.S. states, from coast to coast including Alabama through Wyoming, demonstrating its wide adaptability to different climates.
What pollinators visit Old-witch Grass?: Beetles and wasps are the primary pollinators that visit Panicum capillare flowers during its summer blooming period.
Is Old-witch Grass HOA-friendly?: Old-witch Grass takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

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

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