Small-fruited Witchgrass
Dichanthelium microcarpon
Last reviewed: August 2026
Toxicity unknown
Small-fruited Witchgrass (Dichanthelium microcarpon) 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
medium
Size
12"–24" H × 6"–12" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
Native to
AL, AR, CT, DE and 21 more states
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 areaBrowse plants for this ecoregion
Small Panicgrass is a compact native grass that forms neat clumps with fine-textured foliage. It produces delicate seed heads from summer through fall and maintains a tidy appearance throughout the growing season.
In an HOA neighborhood
Small-fruited 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 go dormant in winter depending on variety
Wildlife value
This grass provides seeds for songbirds and small mammals. The foliage offers shelter for beneficial insects and serves as a host plant for several native moth and butterfly caterpillars.
Common questions
- How much sun does Small-fruited Witchgrass need?
- Small-fruited Witchgrass grows best in part sun conditions.
- When does Small-fruited Witchgrass bloom?
- Small-fruited Witchgrass blooms in June, July, August, and September.
- Where is Small-fruited Witchgrass native?
- Small-fruited Witchgrass (Dichanthelium microcarpon) is native to AL, AR, CT, DE and 21 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
- Is Small-fruited Witchgrass HOA-friendly?
- Small-fruited 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.
- It is dying right after planting
- Leaves turning yellow
- Wilting even though I watered it
- Brown crispy leaf tips
- Bugs on the plant
Ready to grow Small-fruited 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