How to identify Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum)

How to identify Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum)

Switchgrass, also known as Wild redtop, Wand Panic Grass

Switchgrass is a perennial, warm-season grass with a columnar growth habit, forming dense foliage clumps. It typically stands 3-4 feet (0.91-1.22 meters) tall, but with blooming flower plumes, it may reach heights of up to 7 feet (2.13 meters). The plant can spread gradually via creeping rhizomes and maintains its aesthetic appeal throughout the year. Its presence is often noted along moist environments.

Lifespan: Perennial

Plant Type: Grass

Leaf Type: Deciduous

Quickly Identify Switchgrass

Columnar growth habit, forming dense foliage clumps.

1-foot tall spikes with feathery dark red anthers and purple stigmas.

Compact, grain-like seeds transitioning from pink/purple to tan.

Medium green leaves with bluish cast, turning yellow, orange, then tan.

Round, stiff stems, smooth and glabrous, 3-7 feet tall with minimal branching.

Detailed Traits of Switchgrass

Leaf Features

The leaves of switchgrass are medium green with a bluish cast, narrow, and display a prominent midrib. Measuring about 0.5–1 inch (1.3–2.5 cm) in width, they possess a visible, central vein running their length. Where the leaves attach to the stems, there is a small patch of white hairs. Exhibiting good fall color, they turn yellow and orange, transitioning to a tan hue during winter.

Leaf Base

Circular

Leaf Arrangement

Fascicled

Leaf Apex

Acuminate

Leaf Texture

Herbaceous

Learn About the Leaf Glossary

Flower Features

The flowers of switchgrass are characterized by their open 1-foot (30 cm) tall spikes bearing branched panicles. These panicles showcase feathery, dark red anthers and purple stigmas, exuding a feathery texture. Flowering occurs from June to October, and the panicles transition into producing shiny red seeds. The intricate arrangement of these components creates an elegant and distinctive floral display suitable for identification by both novices and experts alike.

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Stem Features

The stem of switchgrass is characterized by being round and stiff. Typically, it is smooth and glabrous, ranging from 0.2 to 0.4 inches (5 to 10 mm) in diameter. The color is usually green, transitioning to a reddish hue as it matures. It features a culm, growing approximately 3 to 7 feet (90 to 210 cm) tall. Stems are erect and show minimal branching, giving them a tall, sturdy appearance ideal for identification.

Learn About the Stem Glossary

Fruit Features

The fruit of switchgrass is notable for its compact, grain-like seeds. Each seed, approximately 1/8 inch (about 3 mm) in length, begins its life with hues of pink or purple before maturing to a tan color during the fall season. The transition of these teardrop-shaped seeds can be observed from August to November. Their distinguishing characteristic lies in the color metamorphosis, offering a simple identification marker for enthusiasts during these months.

Learn About the Fruit Glossary

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Switchgrass and Their Similar Plants

Bitter panicgrass vs. Switchgrass: What's The Difference?

Bitter panicgrass belongs to the grass family. It clumps and spreads by specialized stems and mostly inhabits coastal beaches and dunes. Bitter panicgrass is a good soil erosion control and stabilizer of degraded land areas. This grass is an 'endangered plant' in Connecticut and Rhode Island, United States.

Switchgrass 'Northwind' vs. Switchgrass: What's The Difference?

Switchgrass 'Northwind' is a type of switchgrass which has been bred for its height and its blue-olive coloring. The name was given to it by its creator, Northwind Perennial Farm. Its height of 1.2 to 1.5 m makes this grass ideal for screening. In fall, the foliage turns an attractive yellow-green.

Switchgrass 'Heavy Metal' vs. Switchgrass: What's The Difference?

The switchgrass 'Heavy Metal' is a species of grass. It gets its name from the metallic blue coloration of its newly-grown blades. Later in the summertime, the blue blades turn to a shade of pink, and then later to orange in the fall. This perennial grass is described as having a fine consistency.

Switchgrass 'Cloud Nine' vs. Switchgrass: What's The Difference?

Switchgrass 'Cloud Nine' is notable for its height, growing up to 2 m tall. It is thus the tallest cultivar of switchgrass. A cultivar of Panicum virgatum, its name alludes to the phrase “on cloud nine,” referring to its great height. Gardeners appreciate this plant because it requires little attention and is tolerant of most common plant troubles.

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Key Facts About Switchgrass

Attributes of Switchgrass

Spread

60 cm to 90 cm

Leaf Color

Green

Blue

Yellow

Brown

Red

Purple

Flower Size

2.5 cm

Flower Color

Pink

Green

Purple

Brown

Yellow

Fruit Color

Purple

Pink

Cream

Brown

Lavender

Tan

Stem Color

Green

Purple

Brown

Blue

Leaf type

Deciduous

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Scientific Classification of Switchgrass

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Monocotyledons

Order

Grasses, sedges and allies

Family

Grass

Genus

Panicgrasses

Species

Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum)

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Distribution Map of Switchgrass

Switchgrass is native to the warmer regions of the Western Hemisphere, predominantly within North America and parts of Central America. It has been introduced and is now cultivated in various parts of Europe, Asia, and South America as well as in some Oceanic regions, adapting to a wide range of climates beyond its original habitat.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Potentially invasive

Exotic

No species reported

Learn More About the Switchgrass

A Comprehensive Guide to Switchgrass How to Grow and Care for Switchgrass