FALL PANICUM, Panicum dichotomiflorum Michx. 1, lower part of plant showing root system; 2, panicle; 3, section of stem; 4, seed; 5, seed with hull. Annual with fibrous roots, reproducing by seeds. Stems 20 to 50 inches (0.5 to 1.3 m) long, smooth, spreading, often partly flat on the ground. Lower nodes swollen, often rooting. Leaves smooth or sparsely hairy. Leaf sheaths heavy, short, smooth, loose, often purplish. Panicle more compact and shorter than that of witchgrass. Seeds about 1/16 inch (1.5 mm) long, yellow, smooth, dull, readily separated from hulls when ripe. Found in gardens, cultivated fields, waste places, and low areas. Often common in corn and soybean fields in the fall.