Switchgrass

Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum, also called Tall Panic Grass) is one of the dominant species of the tallgrass prairie, but also grows along roadsides. It is eaten by all kinds of grazing animals. It begins growth in late April or mid May. Its height is up to 7 feet, but usually is somewhat less than that attained by Big bluestem or Indian grass.

Its flowers have a well-developed panicle often up to 60 cm. in length and bears a good crop of fruits which are 3 to 6 mm long and up to 1.5 mm wide. The fruits are developed from a single-flowered spikelet. Both glumes are present and well developed.

Due to its hardiness and rapid growth, switchgrass is often considered a good candidate for farming as feedstock for biofuel production. Many farmers already grow switchgrass, either as forage for livestock or as a ground cover, to control erosion.