Fall panicum is an annual grass. In California it is found in the San Joaquin Valley and southwestern region to about 1600 feet (500 m). It grows in fields, unmanaged, disturbed places, and prefers areas with moist soils such as along streams, tailwater ponds, and irrigation ditches. Witchgrass, Panicum capillare, a related species, is similar in appearance to fall panicum, but is much more widespread.
Mature Plant
Plants grow upright or spread from a bent or twisted base up to about 3-1/3 feet (1 m). Leaves often have a prominent wide midrib. Unlike witchgrass, fall panicum has hairless or nearly hairless leaf blades.
Collar Region
The ligule consists of a dense ring of white hairs. There is no auricle.
Flowers
Spikelets grow in open branches that together form a pyramid or triangle shape. Unlike witchgrass, fall panicum spikelet stalks are tiny and lay close to the flowering branches.
Reproduction
Reproduces by seed.
Related or Similar Plants
- Witchgrass, Panicum capillare
- Johnsongrass, Sorghum halepense
