Bloom Color

Interesting Notes

Switchgrass grows on a wide variety of soils, but likes deep sandy loams best. It does poorly on heavy soils, although it tolerates moderate soil salinity and pH levels ranging from about 4.5 to 7.6. Once a stand has been established, it will benefit from fertilization, but nitrogen should be applied only sparingly early in the growing season and never on very young plantings, lest it encourage competition from cool-season grasses. Switchgrass grows best in association with site-adapted mycorrhizal fungi. It may take many years for mycorrhizae and associated beneficial soil microbes to become well established on a newly planted site and this process may be inhibited by application of nitrogen rich fertilizers. Switchgrass can be mowed or grazed down to about 8" in the winter, but the stubble is important for winter insulation and should not be cut shorter than that in cold climates. This species evolved with fire and does best when burned occasionally. Switchgrass typically survives fire by regrowing from protected underground rhizomes, but the vigor of the new growth depends upon the season and intensity of the fire, and whether it is of the more fire resistant sod-forming type with rhizomes several inches below the soil surface, or the more sensitive bunchgrass type with rhizomes growing up into elevated tussocks. Switchgrass should be burned just before it begins growing in the spring. A fire every 3-5 years is recommended.

Switchgrass is essential for wildflower meadows intended to mimic North American prairies. It can be used to add fall color to naturalistic borders and woodland-edge gardens. It is also a great wildlife plant. Switchgrass holds up well under heavy snow and provides good fall-winter cover for rabbits and other small mammals, ducks, pheasants, and quail. The seeds are eaten by turkeys, pheasants, quail, doves, and songbirds. Switchgrass prairies are favored nesting sites for pheasants, quail, greater prairie chickens, and sharp tailed grouse. White tailed deer and other native ungulates paw up the rhizomes for winter survival food. Floridata

Perennial, warm, native, fair grazing for wildlife, good grazing for livestock. 3-6' tall, hollow stem growing in small to large clumps from many scaly creeping rhizomes. Large robust plants with bluish blades up to 2' long. The ligule is a dense ring or cup of hairs on upper leaf surface at collar. The panicles are pyramid shaped with many purplish spikelets. In winter the seed head resembles branches of a seeding willow tree. Found mostly along creeks, streams and protected areas. Decreases with heavy use but can be used and managed similar to pasture grasses. Texas A&M

Growing and Maintenance Tips

Tolerates drought or standing water.Grow in full sun average to moist soil with good drainage. Water well on planting and regularly until established. Drought tolerant.