please identify this grass that has taken over garden area - Ask Extension
Grass has taken over garden area over past few years and is growing out of control. Is growing next to waterway but not in wetland. The sample photos...
Knowledgebase
please identify this grass that has taken over garden area #826136
Asked April 18, 2023, 11:00 AM EDT
Grass has taken over garden area over past few years and is growing out of control. Is growing next to waterway but not in wetland. The sample photos are of grass from 2022 that was just pulled after spring 2023 snow melt in Upper Peninsula Michigan so the photos aren't great This grass grows to about 18inches to 24inches tall and has spread like wildfire. Hollow stems with tiny seed heads. What is it? How does one get rid of it?
Houghton County Michigan
Expert Response
I am not going to be able to tell for sure from these photos, but it looks like a species in the genus Panicum. My best guess is witchgrass (Panicum capillare)...but again I'm not confident. You can see more photos on MI Flora by clicking on the main photo and scrolling through. https://michiganflora.net/record/2166
If you have a photo of it green and growing this year, including a closeup photo of where the leaf meets the sheath I might be able to confirm.
Witchgrass is an annual species, native to Michigan. In a garden scenario the best options for management are various mulching strategies and/or a preemergence herbicide. If you tell me a little more about what you're growing in your garden I might be able to offer more tailored advice.
If you have a photo of it green and growing this year, including a closeup photo of where the leaf meets the sheath I might be able to confirm.
Witchgrass is an annual species, native to Michigan. In a garden scenario the best options for management are various mulching strategies and/or a preemergence herbicide. If you tell me a little more about what you're growing in your garden I might be able to offer more tailored advice.
