switchgrass

Plant Type

Grass/Grass-like

Life Cycle

Perennial

Typical Size

3-7 ft. tall
2-3 ft. wide

Tolerant of

Deer, Drought, Occasional Flooding, Salt Exposure

Inolerant of

Poorly Drained Soil

Propagation

By seed, By division

Plant Propagation Notes

Cold moist stratify seeds for best germination.

Plant Planting Notes

Primarily clumping, but can spread slowly through horizontal rhizomes.

Plants/Diseases

No significant disease or pest issues. Occasionally, thrips, spider mites, Japanese beetles, leaf rust can affect switchgrass.

Wildlife Benefits

Nectar/pollen source for pollinating insects, Host plant for butterfly larvae, Fruit/seeds for birds

Leaves

Leaves from sheaths, rosulate with entire margins.

Flowers

Large open panicle of small flowers that turn golden yellow from pink, purple, or burgundy.

Fruit

Caryopsis

Toxicity

No known toxicity.

Edibility

Seeds are edible.

USDA Hardiness Zones

5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Light Exposure

Full Sun, Part Sun/Shade

Soil Moisture

Dry, Medium, Moist

Soil Drainage

Well-drained

Native in South Carolina?

Yes

Plant Native Habitat

A wide variety of dry to wet habitats including pinelands, marshes (including brackish), tidal swamps, interdune swales, and mafic and calcareous fens.

Global Conservation Status (NatureServe)

Secure (G5)

Federal Conservation Status (USFWS)

Not Listed

Distribution Notes

Common in the South Carolina coastal plain and sandhills. Uncommon in the piedmont. Rare in the mountains.

Subspecies

Panicum virgatum var. cubense

Panicum virgatum var. spissum

Panicum virgatum var. virgatum