Switchgrass
Panicum virgatum · Warm-season, Perennial, C4
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Panicoideae, tribe Paniceae
Grass Category
Native Prairie Grass, Ornamental, Forage/Pasture, Biomass
Variety / Cultivar
Common Switchgrass (Wild Type)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 3-9. Highly cold hardy and heat tolerant; goes dormant and turns tan/brown after the first hard frost.
About This Grass
A tall, hardy grass reaching 3-6 feet. Bright green to bluish-green blades with a pyramidal, airy, open-panicle seed head that appears lace-like in late summer. Turns golden-yellow to orange-tinted in autumn.
Blade Characteristics
Medium to coarse width (3-15mm), flat shape, pointed tip, light to dark green color. Vernation is rolled in the bud. Features a prominent V-shaped patch of hair at the base of the blade near the ligule.
Root System
Deep, fibrous root system extending up to 10 feet into the soil. Low thatch tendency, moderate establishment speed, excellent drought tolerance once mature.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to North America (east of the Rockies); found from Canada to Mexico in prairies and open woodlands.
Growth Habit
Rhizomatous and bunch-type; forms dense, deep-rooted clumps that spread slowly via short rhizomes.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full Sun (minimum 6 hours), moderate to low water needs. Highly adaptable to various soil types including clay, sand, and poor drainage; pH tolerant (5.5-7.5).
Mowing & Maintenance
Maintenance depends on use; for forage/pasture, mow to 6-8 inches. For ornamentals, cut back to ground in late winter. Very low fertilization needs (0-1 lbs N per 1000 sq ft).
Special Characteristics
Excellent erosion control, high salt tolerance, high drought resistance, and survives both flooding and dry periods. Stays upright through winter providing visual interest.
Ecological Information
Native species; vital for wildlife providing nesting cover for birds and seeds for pollinators. High biomass potential and effective at carbon sequestration in deep roots.