What does Old-witch grass look like?

Panicum capillare forms upright clumps of narrow leaves topped by a wide, diffuse, hairy panicle that can look like a cloud of fine branches. As the seed head matures it often breaks off and tumbles, which is part of why it earned the name witchgrass.

When does Old-witch grass bloom?

It typically flowers from July through September, with the airy panicles becoming most noticeable in mid to late summer.

How much sun and water does Old-witch grass need?

This grass grows best in full sun and tolerates low water once established, making it a good fit for dry, open sites such as fields, roadsides, and disturbed ground.

What pollinators use Old-witch grass?

Beetles and wasps have been observed visiting the plant, though as a grass it also relies heavily on wind for pollen dispersal.

Is Old-witch grass a perennial?

No, it is an annual grass that completes its life cycle in one growing season, reseeding itself where conditions allow.

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: August 2026

Old-witch grass is an annual grass that blooms from July through September, producing a loose, airy seed panicle. It grows well in full sun with low water needs and is common in dry fields, roadsides, and sandy or disturbed soils.

Toxicity unknown

Old-witch Grass (Panicum capillare) 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

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

Before you buy

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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.

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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

What does Old-witch grass look like?: Panicum capillare forms upright clumps of narrow leaves topped by a wide, diffuse, hairy panicle that can look like a cloud of fine branches. As the seed head matures it often breaks off and tumbles, which is part of why it earned the name witchgrass.
When does Old-witch grass bloom?: It typically flowers from July through September, with the airy panicles becoming most noticeable in mid to late summer.
How much sun and water does Old-witch grass need?: This grass grows best in full sun and tolerates low water once established, making it a good fit for dry, open sites such as fields, roadsides, and disturbed ground.
What pollinators use Old-witch grass?: Beetles and wasps have been observed visiting the plant, though as a grass it also relies heavily on wind for pollen dispersal.
Is Old-witch grass a perennial?: No, it is an annual grass that completes its life cycle in one growing season, reseeding itself where conditions allow.
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.

These answers were drafted with an AI model from this plant's data. Verify care details with a local expert.

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

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