It can be found as an introduced species in Eurasia, and as a weed in gardens and landscaped areas.

Panicum capillare is an annual bunchgrass growing decumbent or erect to heights exceeding one meter (3 feet).

The inflorescence is a large open panicle which may be over half the total length of the plant, up to half a meter long.

At maturity it fans out, spreading to a width over 20 centimeters.

As the plant dies and dries, the panicle may break off whole and becomes a tumbleweed.