Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum)

Switchgrass

(Panicum virgatum)

Photo by David J. Stang

CC BY-SA 4.0

Image By: Photo by David J. Stang

Recorded By:

Estimated Native Range

Summary

Panicum virgatum, commonly known as Switchgrass, is a perennial, warm-season grass native to prairies, open woodlands, and savannas across the Eastern, Central, and Mountain states of the US, as well as parts of Mexico. It is a hardy, deep-rooted grass that begins growth in late spring, reaching up to 2.7 m (8 ft 10 in) in height, although it is typically shorter than big bluestem grass or indiangrass. Switchgrass is notable for its C4 carbon fixation, which allows it to thrive in conditions of drought and high temperature. Its flowers form a well-developed panicle, often up to 60 cm long, and the plant produces a good crop of seeds that may take on a pink or dull-purple tinge when ripe, turning golden brown with the foliage in the fall.

Switchgrass is valued for its adaptability to poor soil conditions, low maintenance requirements, and potential as a bioenergy crop. It is used for soil conservation, erosion control, and as a biofuel source. It is also planted for ornamental purposes in naturalistic gardens and meadows where its tall, waving foliage adds movement and texture. In cultivation, it prefers full sun or part shade, low to medium water, and soils with slow to medium drainage. Switchgrass is self-seeding, which allows for easy natural propagation, and once established, stands can survive for over a decade. It can be invasive outside its native range, so caution is advised when planting in non-native areas.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

Plant Type: Grass
Height: 3-6 feet
Width: 2-3 feet
Growth Rate: Rapid
Flower Color: N/A
Flowering Season: Summer, Fall
Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Growth Requirements

Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
Water: Low, Medium
Drainage: Medium, Slow

Common Uses

Bank Stabilization, Bird Garden, Border Plant, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Erosion Control, Fire Resistant, Groundcover, Low Maintenance, Potted Plant, Rabbit Resistant, Salt Tolerant, Street Planting

Natural Habitat

Prairies, open woodlands, and savannas

Other Names

Common Names: Blackwell Switch-Grass, Switch Grass, Old Switch Panic Grass, Old Switch Panicgrass, Wand Panicgrass, Wild Redtop, Thatchgrass, Tall Prariegrass, Rutenhirse, Panic Érigé

Scientific Names: , Panicum virgatum, Panicum virgatum var. virgatum, Panicum virgatum var. spissum, Panicum virgatum var. cubense, Panicum ichnanthoides, Panicum virgatum subsp. cubense, Panicum giganteum, Panicum virgatum var. breviramosum, Eatonia purpurascens

GBIF Accepted Name: Panicum virgatum L.