Witch Grass, Old witch grass, Tumble panic grass
Panicum capillare
Family: Poaceae
What it is like
An annual grass. It forms tufts. It grows up to 60 cm tall. It spreads to 30 cm across. The leaves are 7-30 cm long by 5-14 mm wide. They are flat. The flower panicle is broad and 15-50 cm long. The spikelets are on long thin stalks. The flowers are green.
There are about 500 Panicum species. Possibly not naturalised in Tasmania.
Where it is found
It is a temperate plant. It requires a moderately fertile soil which is well drained and it requires full sunlight. It often grows on sand and coastal dunes. In Argentina it grows from sea level to 1,000 m above sea level.
Countries/locations it is found in
Argentina, Australia, Britain, Chile, England, Europe, Iran, Jamaica, Middle East, North America (country/location of origin), Pakistan, Slovenia, South America, Tasmania, Uruguay, USA, West Indies
How it is used for food
The seed is cooked and used whole or ground into a flour to make bread.
Edible parts
Seeds, cereal
How it is grown
Seed is sown shallowly and germinates in one week.
Its other names
Local names
Paja voladora, Pajilla blanca, Panicum, Pasto de la per diz, Pastoa perdiz