Leptoloma cognatum (Schult.) Chase, fall witchgrass 
DESCRIPTION 
Warm-season, short-lived, perennial bunch grass. 
Height: 1 to 2 feet. 
Leaf blade: Narrow; generally less than 4 inches long; one 
side wavy, the other smooth. 
Leaf sheath: Rounded ; shorter than internodes. 
Stem: Knotty; hairy at base. 
Seedhead: Open purplish panicle one-third to one-half as tall 
as plant; branches hairy in axils; spikelets 1-flowered, 
solitary at end of long pedicel. 
GROWTH CHARACTERISTICS 
Growth starts in spring. Seedheads are produced a month later. 
Foliage remains green for 2 to 3 weeks longer. When climate is 
favorable, makes some fall growth. Seed remain on plant until 
winter. Fall witchgrass is shallow rooted. Individual plants are 
usually widely scattered in any plant community. 
DISTRIBUTION 
Minnesota to New Hampshire, south to Florida, west to Texas 
and Arizona, and in northern Mexico. 
SITE ADAPTATION 
Grows best on sandy loams with a heavier subsoil. 
USE AND MANAGEMENT 
Fall witchgrass is grazed by all domestic livestock and by deer 
and antelope. Upland game birds eat the seed. 
Proper use and management of associated grasses maintain 
this grass in the plant community. 
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