witch grass
Noun: 1. A European grass (Elymus repens) that spreads rapidly by means of creeping underground stems (rhizomes) and is considered a weed in North America. 2. A North American grass (Panicum capillare) with slender, branching seed heads (panicles), often found as a weed in cultivated land.
- "Witch grass" is a common name for two distinct, unrelated grass species considered agricultural weeds.
- The name likely originates from the perceived "bewitching" or troublesome nature of these invasive plants, which are difficult to eradicate from fields.
- It is primarily used in agricultural, botanical, or gardening contexts.
- The farmer struggled to control the witch grass invading his wheat field.
- Witch grass, with its network of rhizomes, can quickly overtake a garden bed.
- Botanists identified the weed as , commonly known as witch grass.
- The term can be used metaphorically to describe something that is pervasive and difficult to remove.
- Rumors spread through the town like witch grass.
- Couch grass: A common name for .
- Quackgrass: Another common name for .
- Old-witch grass: An alternative name for .
- Tickle-grass: A name for , referring to its delicate seed heads.
- Witchgrass: A common single-word spelling variant.
- Weed
- Invasive grass
- Noxious plant (in formal/legal contexts)
The two primary meanings refer to different botanical species: 1. Meaning 1 (Elymus repens): Focuses on its invasive method of spread via rhizomes. It is a perennial grass. 2. Meaning 2 (Panicum capillare): Focuses on its appearance, specifically its slender, brushy seed heads. It is an annual grass.
While both are weeds called "witch grass," they are identified by different characteristics: one by its below-ground growth and the other by its above-ground appearance.
- European grass spreading rapidly by creeping rhizomes; naturalized in North America as a weed
- North American grass with slender brushy panicles; often a weed on cultivated land