NAME: SWITCH GRASS Panicum virgatum
DESCRIPTION:
Leaf: Closely grown leafs giving the lower half of
the plant a dense growth appearance. Leaves have a patch of dense hairs in
the form of an iverted “V” shape where the leaf joins the culm.
Flower: Well developed panicle often 60 cm in length and bears a
good crop of fruits 3 to 6mm long.
Present in September.
Stem: 2 meters in height with plumes turning orange-yellow
DISCUSSION:
Switchgrass is also called Tall Panic Grass. It is
a native, warm-season perennial grass. Palatable in its early growth
and readily eaten by all grazing animals. This grass is popular for
reclamation work and prairie restoration.
DISTRIBUTION:
May be found over all the True Prairie and Mixed Prairie
areas of central United States and the southern prairies of Texas.
IMAGES:
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COPYRIGHT:
© Copyright 2002, L&T Natural Images and Madsion
Jr. High, all rights reserved. Contact information: email at lcwik@naperville203.org or tcoutts@naperville203.org
REFERENCES:
Mohlenbroch, Robert H., and John W. Voigt. Prairie Pants of Illinois.
Springfield, Illinois: Illinois Department of Natural Resources, 1985.
Young, Dick. Kane County Wild Plants and Natural Areas. 2nd
ed. Geneva, Il:
Kane County Illinois Forest Preserve District, 1994.
Want more images of these and many other Prairie Plants? Check
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and Prairie" site.
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one! Prairie
Parcel Restoration.
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