Starved Witchgrass
Dichanthelium depauperatum
Last reviewed: June 2026
Light
part sun
Water
low
Size
4"–16" H × 2"–8" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
Native to
AL, AR, CO, CT and 32 more states
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Starved Panicgrass is a small, fine-textured native grass that forms low tufts in the landscape. This drought-tolerant perennial produces delicate seed heads from summer through fall and works well as groundcover or in naturalized areas.
In an HOA neighborhood
Starved Witchgrass 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.
- Very small size makes it appear sparse in formal settings
- Natural growth pattern looks unmanicured
- May be mistaken for weedy grass by HOA boards
Wildlife value
The seeds provide food for songbirds and small mammals. As a native grass, it supports various insects and caterpillars that feed on native grasses.
Common questions
- How much sun does Starved Witchgrass need?
- Starved Witchgrass grows best in part sun conditions.
- When does Starved Witchgrass bloom?
- Starved Witchgrass blooms in June, July, August, and September.
- Where is Starved Witchgrass native?
- Starved Witchgrass (Dichanthelium depauperatum) is native to AL, AR, CO, CT and 32 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
- Is Starved Witchgrass HOA-friendly?
- Starved Witchgrass 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 Starved Witchgrass? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
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