Panicum pumila is closely related to the caespitose perennial Panicum sphacelata (K. Schum.) Moss, and specimens lacking their basal parts are often indistinguishable. The latter is a native of tropical and South Africa introduced to India (but not, thus far, to Pakistan) as a fodder grass. Panicum pumila is even more difficult to separate from another introduction, Panicum gracilis Kunth (Panicum geniculata auct. non (Willd.) P. Beauv.), which occurs in America and tropical Asia. This is a short-lived perennial, commonly with short knotty rhizomes bearing dormant buds, though the perennial habit is usually not very obvious.