What does witchgrass mean?
Witchgrass is chiefly a North American name for hairy panic grass, Panicum capillare, an annual grass distinguished by its open, finely branching panicles and small spikelets. The term can also apply more broadly to related panic grasses, so the intended species may depend on the context. In ordinary English it is principally a botanical and agricultural term rather than a general word for delicate grasses, and it is much more common in North America than elsewhere. It is usually written as one word, though “witch grass” also appears. Writers use it when identifying plants, describing meadow vegetation, or discussing grassland habitats. The word’s sound readily suggests folklore, but the plant’s most noteworthy feature is botanical: its delicate seed heads give fields a hazy texture in late summer. Knowing witchgrass helps distinguish a particular panic grass from similar meadow grasses while adding a memorable piece of regional plant vocabulary.
nounA chiefly North American grass, especially Panicum capillare, with fine, airy, branching seed heads. The name is also used more broadly for some other panic grasses.
- A North American grass name used especially for hairy panic grass (Panicum capillare) and, more broadly, for certain related panic grasses.
"Witchgrass softened the edge of the field with its delicate, branching seed heads."
"The botanist identified the plant as witchgrass and noted its finely branching panicles."
"After summer rain, witchgrass filled the meadow with a silvery haze of seed heads."
Used when referring to multiple plants of this or another named panic grass.
"Several witchgrasses grew along the disturbed roadside."
Talk about witchgrass and the mind conjures folklore—but the plant itself is a real panic grass crowned with clouds of fine seed.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of witchgrass
Witchgrass is an English compound formed from witch and grass. Its elements have separate Germanic ancestry: witch continues Old English wicce, while grass continues Old English græs. The compound is chiefly used in North American plant vocabulary, and formations such as witchcraft, witchery, and bewitch preserve the older witch root.
How witchgrass is actually used
This is primarily a botanical and agrarian term, most familiar in North America. Although often written as one word, “witch grass” also appears; its name does not normally imply that the plant has a documented supernatural function.
Easily confused with witchgrass
Switchgrass is the usually taller perennial Panicum virgatum, whereas witchgrass generally denotes the delicate annual Panicum capillare.