Switchgrass
Panicum virgatum
Poaceae
Description
The hollow stems of this bunchgrass grow in clumps from many scaly, creeping rhizomes. These large, robust plants have bluish grass blades up to 2 feet long. The ligule is a dense ring or cup of hairs on the upper leaf surface at the collar. The panicles are pyramid shaped with many purplish spikelets. The first glume is three-fourths as long as the spikelet and encircles the base of the second glume. In winter the seed head resembles branches of a weeping willow tree.
Switchgrass is a perennial, warm-season, native - 36 to 72 inches tall.
Good grazing for livestock. Fair grazing for wildlife.
Habitat
Found mostly along creeks and streams and in protected areas. Decreases with heavy grazing.
Images
Plant Characteristics
Duration: Perennial
Stem Texture: Hairless/Smooth
Growth Habit: Bunch grass, Grasses
Season: Warm
Distribution
: 01 - Pineywoods, 02 - Gulf Prairies and Marshes, 03 - Post Oak Savannah, 04 - Blackland Prairies, 05 - Cross Timbers and Prairies, 06 - South Texas Plains, 07 - Edwards Plateau, 08 - Rolling Plains, 09 - High Plains, 10 - Trans-Pecos
Distributions
Distribution refers to the ecological region in Texas that a plant has been found. You can also view a clickable map.
Book: Know Your Grasses (B-182)
Collection: Grasses
