Poaceae : Panicum virgatum
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Family Name
Poaceae
Common Name
Switchgrass
Native American Name
Lakota: pȟeži blaskaska
Description
Panicum virgatum is a rhizomatous perennial clump-forming grass, with multiple, erect hollow culms, that grows to 1.5 m tall. The leaves are all alternate, ascending to droopy, the leaf blades flat to rolled upward, 15-55 cm long and 5-11 mm wide, smooth to hair covered, particularly on the upper surface above the ligule. The ligule is 2-4 mm long consisting of a fringe of hairs on a membranous base. The inflorescence is a very open and diffuse panicle, 20-45 cm long, with slightly compressed, purplish spikelets, containing 1 fertile and 1 often staminate floret, surrounded by unequal bracts (glumes), the smaller 2.3-4 mm long and the larger 3.3-6 mm long, narrowly egg-shaped and tapering to a pointed tip. The glumes spread apart as the flower develops, with the stamens and styles becoming visible. A single grain develops in each spikelet. Switchgrass blooms from July through September in moist lowlands and prairies throughout South Dakota.
Horticulture Notes
Seed Collection: Collect seed in August-September
Germination: The seeds germinate without pretreatment and can be spwn in spring or fall.
Vegetative Propagation: As the plants develop, the rhizomes produce new shoots that can be easily transplanted.
Soils: Sandy, sandy loam, to clay loams.
Light: Full sun to partial shade.
Water: Prefers moist areas but tolerates medium dry conditions.
Additional Notes
Switchgrass can add a dramatic element to a native plant garden. They produce a purplish haze as the panicles develop and the plants become an attractive yellow as they mature. If left to overwinter the plants provide homes and food for several bird species.