Old Witch Grass, Witchgrass
Panicum capillare
Family: Poaceae or Gramineae
What it is like
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.
Height (m): 0.6
Where it is found
Open sandy or stony soil or cultivated land in N. America. An occasional abundant weed of carrot crops in E. Anglia.
N. America - Nova Scotia to North Dakota, south to Florida and Texas. An occasional weed in Britain.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 2
Seed - cooked whole or ground into a powder and used as a flour. It is often mixed with corn. The seed is very small and fiddly to use, it has a mild flavour and can be used like millet. In the wild, the seed stem breaks off when the seed is ripe and then blows away in the wind, scattering the seed.
Seed: includes nuts, cereals, peas and beans.
Medicine
Rating: 1
An infusion of the leaves has been used as an emetic. An infusion of the plant has been used as a reducing aid when dieting.
Emetic: Induces vomiting.
Other
Rating: 0
The grass can be made into brooms.
Broom: Used for sweeping the floor etc.
How it is grown
Requires a moderately fertile well-drained soil in full sun.
Propagating it: Seed - sow spring in a greenhouse and only just cover the seed. Germination should take place within a week. Prick out the seedlings into trays or individual pots and plant them out after the last expected frosts.
Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;
Habit: Annual
Hardiness: 4-8
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: No shade
Moisture: Moist