Overview
Panicum capillare L. var. barbipulvinatum (Nash) R.L. McGregor is a type of grass that belongs to the family Poaceae. It is commonly known as the "Old witch grass" or "Tumbleweed grass" due to the plant's behavior of breaking away from its roots when matured and rolling along the ground like a tumbleweed.
Origin
The Panicum capillare L. var. barbipulvinatum (Nash) R.L. McGregor is native to North America and can be found in the eastern and central parts of the United States. It grows naturally in fields, roadsides, open woods, pastures, and other disturbed areas.
Appearance
The Old witch grass has a slender stem that can reach up to 3 feet in height. It has long leaves that are around 3-10 inches long and 0.1-0.4 inches wide. The leaves can either be flat or rolled and are typically a bluish-green color. The plant produces flowers in the summer, which are arranged in open panicles and have a purplish tint. Panicum capillare L. var. barbipulvinatum (Nash) R.L. McGregor has wiry roots and can produce rootlets at the nodes that can sprout new plants.
Uses
Although Panicum capillare L. var. barbipulvinatum (Nash) R.L. McGregor is considered a weed by many farmers, some people use it for ceremonial purposes. Native American tribes such as the Hopi and Zuni use the plant for basket weaving and for making brooms to cleanse their homes. The plant has been used traditionally as a folk medicine to treat various illnesses, including diarrhea, fever, and snakebites.
hereLight Requirements
Panicum capillare L. var. barbipulvinatum typically grows in areas with full sun exposure, meaning it requires a minimum of six hours of direct sunlight per day to thrive. However, it can tolerate partial shade in hotter climates.
Temperature Requirements
This plant is typically found in warm, humid climates and is hardy in zones 5-9. The ideal temperature range for growth is between 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F). It can also tolerate temperatures as low as -10°C (14°F) but can experience frost damage if exposed to freezing temperatures for extended periods of time.
Soil Requirements
Panicum capillare L. var. barbipulvinatum prefers soils that are well-draining, sandy, loamy, and slightly acidic. It can tolerate a wide range of soil types, including clay and alkaline soils. The soil pH range should be between 5.5 to 7.5. Adequate soil moisture is necessary for successful growth, but they can tolerate periods of drought once established.
Cultivation Methods
Panicum capillare L. var. barbipulvinatum (Nash) R.L. McGregor is relatively easy to grow and care for. It requires a sunny spot in the garden with well-draining soil. The best time to plant the grass is in spring or early summer once the danger of frost has passed. To plant, prepare the soil by digging a hole about twice the size of the root ball of the plant. Place the plant in the hole, backfill with soil, and pat the soil firmly around the base of the plant. Water the plant immediately after planting.Watering Needs
Once established, Panicum capillare L. var. barbipulvinatum (Nash) R.L. McGregor is relatively drought-tolerant and does not require frequent watering. However, during the hot summer months, it's essential to ensure that the soil is moist. Water the plant deeply at least once a week. Check the soil before watering by sticking your finger into the soil up to the first knuckle. If the soil feels dry, it's time to water.Fertilization
Panicum capillare L. var. barbipulvinatum (Nash) R.L. McGregor does not require excessive fertilization. In fact, too much fertilizer can harm the plant. Apply a general-purpose fertilizer at the beginning of the growing season once new growth appears. Use a balanced fertilizer with an N-P-K (nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium) ratio of 10-10-10. Follow the instructions on the label for application rates.Pruning
Panicum capillare L. var. barbipulvinatum (Nash) R.L. McGregor does not require pruning to maintain its shape. However, you can control its spread by cutting back the plant in early spring before new growth appears. Use a pair of sharp pruning shears to trim back the grass to the desired size. Be sure to remove any dead or damaged stems and leaves. Avoid cutting the plant back too dramatically as it can damage the plant.Propagation of Panicum Capillare L. var. Barbipulvinatum (Nash) R.L. McGregor
Panicum Capillare L. var. Barbipulvinatum (Nash) R.L. McGregor is a warm-season, clump-forming perennial grass that is native to North America. Propagation of this plant is typically done through seed propagation or vegetative propagation.
Seed Propagation
Seed propagation is the most common propagation method used for Panicum Capillare L. var. Barbipulvinatum (Nash) R.L. McGregor. Seeds are typically sown in the fall or early spring. To do this, the soil should be loosened to a depth of about 6 inches, and the seeds should be scattered over the top of the soil. Lightly rake the soil over the seeds and water them well.
Seedlings should emerge within a few weeks. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged and provide a good quality fertilizer to encourage growth.
Vegetative Propagation
Vegetative propagation of Panicum Capillare L. var. Barbipulvinatum (Nash) R.L. McGregor can be done through division or cuttings. To divide the plant, dig up a mature clump in the fall or early spring, and carefully separate the clump into smaller sections. Replant each section in a new location, and water it well.
Cuttings can be taken from mature plants in the summer months. Cut a section of stem about 4 to 6 inches long and plant it in a mixture of sand and peat moss. Keep the soil moist and the cutting in a shaded area until roots develop.
Overall, Panicum Capillare L. var. Barbipulvinatum (Nash) R.L. McGregor can be easily propagated through both seed propagation and vegetative propagation. With proper care and attention, this plant can thrive and provide a beautiful addition to any garden or landscaping project.
Disease and Pest Management for Panicum capillare L. var. barbipulvinatum (Nash) R.L. McGregor
Panicum capillare L. var. barbipulvinatum (Nash) R.L. McGregor, commonly known as witchgrass, can be affected by various diseases and pests that can cause significant damage to the plant. Therefore, effective disease and pest management are essential to ensure the plant's growth and survival. Here are some common diseases and pests that might affect Panicum capillare and ways to manage them:
Diseases
Fungal Diseases: Witchgrass is highly susceptible to fungal diseases such as leaf spots, rusts, and smuts, which can cause leaf yellowing, stunting, and eventually death of the plant. To manage fungal diseases, it's crucial to ensure proper cultural practices such as maintaining good plant hygiene, avoiding overhead irrigation, and removing infected plant debris. Application of fungicides may also be necessary in severe cases.
Bacterial Diseases: Witchgrass can be affected by bacterial diseases such as bacterial wilt and bacterial leaf scorch. Infected plants show wilt symptoms, yellowing and browning of leaves, and eventual death of the plant. To manage bacterial diseases, it's essential to ensure proper hygiene practices, remove infected plant debris, and use of disease-resistant cultivars. Application of copper-based fungicides may also help control bacterial diseases.
Pests
Cutworms: Cutworms are common pests that may affect witchgrass. The larvae of cutworms feed on the stem base, leading to wilting and eventual death of the plant. To manage cutworms, it's crucial to maintain good plant hygiene, remove any weeds or debris around the plant, and use of insecticides when necessary.
Grasshoppers: Grasshoppers are known to cause significant damage to witchgrass. They feed on the leaves and stems, leading to stunted plant growth and reduced yields. Effective management may involve the use of physical barriers such as nets or screens, use of insecticidal soaps, or application of other appropriate insecticides.
Seed Weevils: Seed weevils are pests that mainly affect the seed heads of witchgrass, leading to reduced yields. Effective management may involve monitoring the crop regularly to identify and remove infected seed heads, use of appropriate insecticides, and the use of cultural practices such as crop rotation.
Overall, effective disease and pest management of Panicum capillare L. var. barbipulvinatum (Nash) R.L. McGregor requires a comprehensive approach that incorporates proper cultural practices, use of disease-resistant cultivars, and the use of appropriate chemical and biological control measures where necessary. When managed effectively, witchgrass can be a productive and valuable addition to many landscapes.
