Blackwell Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) is a summer perennial
grass that is native to North America. It is a natural component
of the native tall-grass prairie which covered most of the Great
Plains, as well as the south and eastern United States. This
native grass grows best in areas that receive 30 inches of
rainfall a year or in irrigated areas with average to wet soils.
It is resistant to many pests and plant diseases, and it is
capable of producing high yields with very low applications of
fertilizer. This means that the need for agricultural chemicals
to grow switchgrass is low to non-existent. Switchgrass also is
very tolerant of poor soils, flooding and drought. Switchgrass
usually grows 3 to 5 feet in height. Even as a seedling, it can
be distinguished from other native grasses by the dense patch of
hairs at the point where the leaf blade attaches to the sheath.
The stem is round and usually has a reddish tint. The seed head
(panicle) is spreading and open. Foliage turns a beautiful
yellow in fall.