Photo by: Shirley Denton, Suncoast Chapter FNPS

Nomenclature

Common Name:

switchgrass

Synonym(s):

Genus species:

Panicum virgatum

Family:

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.

Availability:

Native Nurseries, Specialty Provider, Seed

Propagation:

Division of root mass.

Light:

Full Sun

Moisture Tolerance:

Always Flooded------------------------------------------------Extremely Dry

Coming Soon!

Usually moist, occasional inundation ---to--- Somewhat moist, no flooding

Salt Water Flooding Tolerance:

Unknown

Salt Spray/Salty Soil Tolerance:

Moderate. Tolerant of salty wind and may get some salt spray.

Soil or Other Substrate:

Sand, Loam

Soil pH:

Suitable to Grow In:

Ecology

Wildlife:

Butterflies

Larval host for tawny edged skipper.

Native Habitats:

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

Natural Range in Florida:

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.