Panicum virgatum

Photographs belong to the photographers who allow use for FNPS purposes only. Please contact the photographer for all other uses.

Switchgrass

Poaceae (Gramineae)

Plant Specifics

Form:Grass
Size:3-4 (6) ft tall by 2-3 ft wide
Life Span:Long-lived perennial
Flower Color:Green
Fruit Color:Brown
Phenology:Winter dormant
Noted for:-

Landscaping

Recommended Uses:Clump forming, suitable for planting toward the back of a moist wildflower garden.
Considerations:An aggressive grower. Plant where that characteristic is appropriate.
Propagation:Division of root mass.
Availability:Native nurseries, Seed, Specialty providers
Light: Full Sun,  Part Shade
Moisture Tolerance:
always floodedextremely dry
 (Usually moist, occasional inundation ----- to ----- Somewhat moist, no flooding)
Moisture Tolerance: Usually moist, occasional inundation ----- to ----- Somewhat moist, no flooding
Salt Water Flooding Tolerance:Not salt tolerant of inundation by salty or brackish water.
Salt Spray/ Salty Soil Tolerance:Moderate. Tolerant of salty wind and may get some salt spray. Exposure to salt spray would be uncommon (major storms).
Soil or other substrate:Loam, Sand
Soil pH:

Ecology

Wildlife:
Insects:
 

Larval host for tawny edged skipper.

Native Habitats:Riverine forests, flatwoods, beaches, fresh and brackish marshes, disturbed sites.

Distribution and Planting Zones

Natural Range in Florida
USDA Zones

Suitable to grow in:
10A 10B 11 8A 8B 9A 9B 

USDA zones are based on minimum winter temperatures

Comments

Ethnobotany:Being cultivated as a biofuel. Seed.
General Comments:

In the opinion of this author, this species has a weedy look. 

Occurs throughout Florida but is more frequent in flatwoods pond settings and small floodplains than in areas of sandy ridges.