Old Witch Grass, Witchgrass

Panicum capillare

Basic Information

Family: Poaceae or Gramineae

Genus: panicum

Plant ID (slug): panicum-capillare

Numeric ID: 24760

USDA Hardiness: 4-8

Ratings

Physical Characteristics

Panicum capillare is a ANNUAL growing to 0.6 m (2ft) by 0.3 m (1ft in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5. It is in flower from August to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Wind. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

N. America - Nova Scotia to North Dakota, south to Florida and Texas. An occasional weed in Britain.

Habitats

Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Seed Edible Uses: Seed - cooked whole or ground into a powder and used as a flour[257]. It is often mixed with corn[[161, 177]. The seed is very small and fiddly to use, it has a mild flavour and can be used like millet[K]. In the wild, the seed stem breaks off when the seed is ripe and then blows away in the wind, scattering the seed[236].

Medicinal Uses

Emetic An infusion of the leaves has been used as an emetic[257]. An infusion of the plant has been used as a reducing aid when dieting[257].