Switchgrass seed is hard and slick and can be handled without special drills. no value at the time of harvest. 0000024935 00000 n Shenandoah switchgrass can be used in place of a shrub and is ideal for attracting birds as it provides cover and nesting material–it is also a host plant to the wood nymph butterfly, the northern pearlyeye moth and several grass skipper butterflies. Their livestock were free roaming and would graze the new switchgrass growth in the spring before the new plants were tall enough to withstand defoliation. 0000006405 00000 n Switchgrass quality is high and its palatability is good when young. Mass plant this grass in the back of a border, or use as a screen. Easy to grow and fast to establish, switchgrass can be used to either hide wildlife within the grass itself, or to effectively screen daytime browse sources and early successional growth within pockets of hidden habitat diversity. Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) is a vigorous warm season, native perennial grass adapted to Wisconsin and planted for many purposes including livestock grazing, wildlife cover, and as a biofuel crop.Switchgrass begins growth in late spring and continues through the summer if moisture is available. In my bedding switchgrass I plant a wildflower mix to provide a food value for bedded whitetails. Weed control is essential before and immediat… xref Wildlife: Switchgrass provides excellent nesting and fall and winter cover for pheasants, quail, and rabbits. Switchgrass is a native, perennial, warm-season, sod-forming tall grass. Thrips, spider mites, and Japanese Beetles are occasional pests. 0000019043 00000 n The seeds provide food for pheasants, quail, turkeys, doves, and songbirds. 0000002273 00000 n Switchgrass can be planted to provide wildlife cover; however, large, continuous monotypes are not recommended. trailer Many farmers prefer Switchgrass to other varieties of native gra… Seeds are eaten by songbirds and small mammals in the winter. 0000100930 00000 n Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:  No serious problems. 0000092302 00000 n 0000125788 00000 n My strategy is to plant straight switchgrass and in the spring of year 2, I spray the switchgrass with gly and 2-4 D and seed my wildflower mix. Valuable as livestock forage, wildlife habitat, erosion control and biofuel source. Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day), Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours), 3b, 3a, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6b, 6a, 7b, 7a, 8b, 8a, 9b, 9a. 0000005422 00000 n Adaptable to all soil types, and weather extremes. ���z�@B��B�d�@����µ͌��C#l�b�* endstream endobj 525 0 obj <�� )/V 2>> endobj 526 0 obj <>/Metadata 522 0 R/Names 527 0 R/Pages 521 0 R/StructTreeRoot 59 0 R/Type/Catalog/ViewerPreferences<>>> endobj 527 0 obj <> endobj 528 0 obj <>/ExtGState<>/Font<>/ProcSet[/PDF/Text]/Properties<>>>/Rotate 0/StructParents 2/TrimBox[0.0 0.0 612.0 792.0]/Type/Page>> endobj 529 0 obj <> endobj 530 0 obj <> endobj 531 0 obj <> endobj 532 0 obj <> endobj 533 0 obj <> endobj 534 0 obj <> endobj 535 0 obj <> endobj 536 0 obj <> endobj 537 0 obj <> endobj 538 0 obj <>stream Tall grasses provide excellent forage for livestock and wildlife. Open 1' tall flower spikes with branched panicles of feathery dark red anthers and stigmas to purple from June to October with shiny red seeds. After seedheads emerge, though, nutrient levels decline rapidly and animals refuse to eat much of it. One of the most misunderstood facts about planting switchgrass is what time of the year is the best to plant. In contrast, the use of switchgrass in pastures and hayfields in Georgia is limited because other introduced species (e.g., bermudagrass, bahiagrass, tall fescue, etc.) Partial shade is acceptable but it will not grow as tightly and may flop over. 589 0 obj <>stream There’s no need to tear out existing shrubs; as old unsuitable shrubs die, replace them with native species. Cooperative Extension, which staffs local offices in all 100 counties and with the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. 0000003870 00000 n %%EOF It grows to a height of 3 to 8 feet tall, depending on the variety. 0000094231 00000 n It is a good windbreak and screen plant and provides excellent nesting, brood rearing, and cover for ground nesting birds and small mammals as well as bedding areas, fawn concealment sites, and travel lanes for deer. ‘Shelter’ is also a stiff-stemmed type and is preferred for wildlife habitat. Teardrop seed is in form of a grain 1/8" long start out pink or purple and turn tan in the fall. ‘Shelter’ is originally from West Virginia and was released by the Big Flats, New York Plant Materials Center. “They produce a dense carpet that makes it difficult for small animals and young ground-nesting birds to navigate through the stand.” On the other hand, Buckland said, … It’s one of the dominant species of the tallgrass prairie, and can grow up to six feet tall. 0 Then creating high value diversity pockets within fields of solid switchgrass can explode wildlife populations to levels that are impossible thru traditional planting methods. %�n�3��Tt��>�����8��} �Z*��ޔ�{��72=ؙn�墐����o�$"�.�>�d�[�Y�9Ta������7�p�h���Q� 0000026004 00000 n 0000029128 00000 n Good fall color of yellow and orange. Songbirds, prairie chickens, quail, and turkeys consume seeds while white-tailed deer, elk and bison use tall grasses for grazing. Switchgrass may not be the only native grass desirable for biofuels. Adult Common Wood-Nymph butterflies feed on rotting fruit and flower nectar. Switchgrass is a perennial, warm-season ornamental grass that is native to North Carolina. 0000007209 00000 n 0000008434 00000 n Bloom: Late Summer/Fall        Fruit/Seed/Nut: Fall/Winter. Prairie grasses native to Pennsylvania, they are planted for wildlife habitat, erosion control, and for use as pasture and hay. A rhizomatous, upland warm season bunchgrass; a good biomass producer; a favorite for reclamation and wildlife. At this time, This is a larval host plant for various Skipper butterflies and the Common Wood-Nymph (Cercyonis pegala) which have one brood from late May to October. 0000024848 00000 n switchgrass planting will enhance its value for wildlife tremendously. 0000010710 00000 n Switchgrass is a valuable soil protection cover crop. 0000026088 00000 n It holds up well in heavy snow (particularly ‘Shelter’ and ‘Kanlow’ cultivars) and is useful on shooting preserves. 0000000016 00000 n 0000013154 00000 n 0000008134 00000 n 0000005832 00000 n They can be planted on a variety of sites, including back yards, crop fields, and pastures. are more … Adult Common Wood-Nymph butterflies feed on rotting fruit and flower nectar. Blooms August to September and the stems are good at standing up over the winter. 0000015155 00000 n Birds and small mammals use tall grasses for nesting and shelter. 0000021198 00000 n Medium green with a bluish cast narrow leaves have a visible midrib. 0000037168 00000 n 0000002134 00000 n 0000009494 00000 n Big bluestem and indiangrass seed are chaffy and will not flow through conventional drills. Establishing warm-season grasses requires planning to maximize success and then patience while the grasses become established. The maximum size of a planted stand should be about 40 acres (16 ha) [ 65 ]. Although switchgrass spreads by rhizomes (and seed), loose clumps or patches are usually formed. y) 0000002484 00000 n A thick stand of Switchgrass makes excellent winter and early spring wildlife cover because of its ability to remain in an upright position when covered with snow or ice. Switchgrass is often used as hay for cattle as they find it nutritious and palatable. 0000008914 00000 n Switchgrass Panicum virgatum Switchgrass is a warm-season perennial that typically grows to 3–7 feet high. %PDF-1.4 %���� ���Ԧ+��k��.�Ά�`�gx����f�i����Ķߙ5��,�~����0��wU�w>�*z�g�?���Z���CC�|���_�%���#2j�� �n��LF�����ڲ�n/�D \f���b�B9�����٨P��� �����+�o�z� ~&�X�-�@��Z�Џ��glLJ����O�M�;�ߌ��A�k�v�H$��L1p�2����"(�u��=��I�ʢ�Ե2r�w�$�c�h���Xĵ�ܸR����nf�#[Ft�Sa�ĮX`�V�� form a strategic partnership called N.C. This plant is one of the more dominant species of the tallgrass prairie, but it is found all over North America growing along moist roadsides, streambanks, and woodlands. 0000135455 00000 n It is also slightly salt tolerant, withstands occasional flooding, and can be planted near black walnut trees. 0000023746 00000 n The Panicum Virgatum grass, known as the Switch Grass, is native to the Midwestern United States and is most commonly found growing throughout prairies and flatland typical to areas such as Missouri. 0000017233 00000 n After the flowers go to seed leave them on the plant to provide a winter food source for birds and small mammals. 0000008548 00000 n It grows 3 to 6 feet in small to large sodded clumps that spread slowly … 0000096571 00000 n With supplemental irrigation in … <]/Prev 383458>> Tall grasses can serve as cover in colder months following snow. In short, horses may lose some hair and suffer sunburns. 0000103169 00000 n Switchgrass is easily identified by a small nest of hair where the blades attach to the sheath. 0000106850 00000 n Research has identified mixed stands of big bluestem, indiangrass and other native This plant is resistant to deer grazing, drought, erosion, and air pollution. Switchgrass is an early-maturing warm-season grass (late May–early June); growth usually begins in April. 0000082766 00000 n Prune the plants back severely in late winter to early spring. Winter color is tan. Additionally, it has been demonstrated that it could become a valuable fiber source for manufactured composite "wood" products and fiber-plastic composite materials. Partridge pea, red clover, alfalfa and annual lespedezas are just a few options for landowners interested in wildlife. 0000004246 00000 n While managed stands of switchgrass in monoculture are not ecologically equivalent to bio-diverse tall-grass prairies, they can have similar characteristics. Switchgrass is a tall-growing, warm-season, perennial grass that is native to much of the United States including Virginia. 0000034145 00000 n That will add eye-appeal for you, as well as high value to wildlife. Switchgrass also provided good habitat and protection for upland game birds such as pheasant, quail, and grouse. Switchgrass is widely adapted and found throughout the United States with the exception of the West Coast. 0000026495 00000 n 0000001652 00000 n It holds up in heavy snow (particularly ‘Shelter’ and ‘Kanlow’) and is useful on shooting preserves. 0000025410 00000 n 0000010058 00000 n Seed can be debearded — a process which removes much of the chaff and hair from seed of big bluestem and indiangrass — allowing them to be seeded using conventional equipment. It has a bluish cast in the summer and is topped by finely-textured, pink-tinged, branched flower panicles that hover over the foliage like a cloud. 0000008322 00000 n Switchgrass will grow in a variety of soil types but prefer soils that are well drained. This is a larval host plant for various Skipper butterflies and the Common Wood-Nymph (Cercyonis pegala) which have one brood from late May to October. Switchgrass Hay: While switch-grass hay has excellent value for beef and/or dairy cattle, as well as other livestock, there is evidence that horses fed switchgrass hay may have a phototoxic reaction. 524 0 obj <> endobj It has moderate salt tolerance and can be used for soil conservation, warm season pasture, hay, wildlife habitat, and has become a potential source for bio-energy production. 0000024326 00000 n 0000002448 00000 n The leaves will turn attractive shades of yellow-orange in the fall and then leaves will fade to light brown and persist through the winter. Switchgrass Scientific classification Kingdom: Plantae Clade: Tracheophytes Clade: Angiosperms Clade: Monocots Clade: Commelinids Order: Poales Family: Poaceae Subfamily: Panicoideae Genus: Panicum Species: P. virgatum Binomial name Panicum virgatum L. Panicum virgatum, commonly known as switchgrass, is a perennial warm season bunchgrass native to North America, where it occurs naturally from 55°N latitude in Canada southwards into the United Stat… Recently, switchgrass has attracted attention as a potential bioenergy crop. 0000107614 00000 n Warm-season grasses are bunch grasses that grow during the warmest months of the year. 0000008819 00000 n Wildlife Value: Provides excellent cover year round. Yearlings often gain 1.5 to 2 lbs per day during this time. Switchgrass produces large seeds on a spangled-type seed head. ND-Switchgrass Biomass Yields in the Northern Great Plains (PAVI2) ND-Switchgrass as a Bioenergy Crop (PAVI2) NE-Developing Switchgrass Into a Biomass Fuel Crop (PAVI2) NE-Switchgrass for Grazing and Hay (PAVI2) OH-Ohio State University Seed Biology (PAVI2) OK-Noble Foundation Plant Image Gallery (PAVI2) OK-Oklahoma Forages (PAVI2) 0000107199 00000 n endstream endobj 539 0 obj <> endobj 540 0 obj <> endobj 541 0 obj [/Separation/PANTONE#20Process#20Black#20C/DeviceCMYK<>] endobj 542 0 obj <> endobj 543 0 obj <> endobj 544 0 obj <. Although it is not common, horse owners should be aware of this problem. Read our Commitment to Diversity | Read our Privacy Statement. Since alot of people plant their foodplots and other crops in the spring, they automatically assume that is the time to plant switchgrass as well. Play Value: 524 66 It reaches 3-4 feet and with its flower plumes it can measure up to 7 feet tall. Also, include some wildlife-favored evergreens for their tasty fall and winter berries and year-round cover. There are other potential markets for switchgrass as … This cuts down on the competition for switchgrass to become established. Switchgrass is a warm-season perennial bunchgrass native to much of the United States. In southern summers rust might become an issue and if grown in stressful conditions crown or root rot can occur. �����]G��R�UY)����\1�3��\8��U�n��� C$OI� -׊'��J�X8-a��$L}�V�۫��7���j~*3����6)�a�2d!쿏5��% Grasses provide food and cover for wildlife. 0000023201 00000 n 0000007597 00000 n The stem is round, hollow, and usually, has a reddish tint. Switchgrass has long been present in tall-grass prairies—habitats that were occasionally disturbed by drought, fire, and grazing by wildlife. 0000027875 00000 n Performs well on … Select plants with a low flammability rating for the sites nearest your home. This mismanagement weakened the stands and eventually led to their … lowland type switchgrass well adapted to poorly drained areas and preferred for wildlife habitat. Seeds are eaten by songbirds and small mammals in the winter. 0000004627 00000 n 0000003076 00000 n : Switchgrass provides excellent nesting and cover for pheasants, quail, and rabbits. It is most commonly found in prairie lowlands, but will grow under wide range of climatic conditions. 0000006754 00000 n A small patch of white hairs present where the leaves attach to the stems. SWITCHGRASS (Panicum virgatum), also called Wand Panic Grass Many people use this perennial bunchgrass as an ornamental grass, but its greatest importance is as dense cover and food for wildlife. 0000098810 00000 n 0000103491 00000 n Grazing usually must begin in June, when switchgrass is about a foot tall. It is being explored for its use as a biofuel. “Many of the nonnative grasses offer little food value to wildlife,” Buckland said. The height and extensive root system of Switchgrass can cause it to become dominant over time in mixtures with other natives. 0000125157 00000 n Plant it in the full sun moist clay or sandy soils. It is effective as an accent plant in a native or water garden. Switchgrass has numerous roots reaching to ten feet deep, as well as underground rhizomes making it an important grass for use in conservation programs. 0000003454 00000 n Displays from August to November. 0000041187 00000 n 0000005003 00000 n Panicum virgatum (in back) in Moore County in summer. 0000093903 00000 n Switchgrass is an important forage plant and potential source of biomass for biofuel production. Pure switchgrass is one of the greatest assets to a wildlife and whitetail habitat enthusiasts. 0000096940 00000 n Fire Risk: This plant has an extreme flammability rating and should not be planted within the defensible space of your home. Switchgrass (SG) was widespread in open areas before settlers populated an area and remained in one place year after year. Switchgrass is a source of low-quality fodder for animals, and with hay prices expected to be in the $80-per-ton range (at 15% moisture), switchgrass might be more valuable as livestock feed than as a cellulosic feedstock. 0000125435 00000 n N.C. It forms a dense columnar foliage clump that can spread slowly through creeping rhizomes and remains attractive year-round. NC State University and N.C. A&T State University work in tandem, along with federal, state and local governments, to )��4�>LO0�ۧ��*�� G�� ��$�E���z� e����ֶ�aV4߁Wy4� s�R�Pe��6��&�b:ēm�'�N ���G�"،�N�OS��:� O)m����k(�0����i/��0����=`_�y䷤9���y"#6~*�JS�����:��Mp�Tw�gg�^��`:Y�A%��S�־��U�Ÿ�I ��D�M��0 Switchgrass is an excellent crop for bioenergy fuel, and although it is toxic to horses, sheep, and goats, cattle have no difficulty in processing this abundant plant. startxref Provides excellent cover year round. 0000101272 00000 n High yields of biomass with relatively few inputs make switchgrass a favorable choice for bioenergy production. 3 to 6 feet tall. Alamo Switchgrass Seed - Switchgrass, a warm season, vigorous perennial can be found growing throughout the United States. 0000098493 00000 n It binds loose soils and provides valuable wildlife habitat. Cooperative Extension prohibits discrimination and harassment on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, sex (including pregnancy), disability, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, and veteran status. The seed provide food for pheasants, quail, turkeys, doves, and songbirds. 0000021085 00000 n General Product Information: Item Number: PANVIR02 Species Type: Native Product Categories: Biomass, Erosion Control & Revegetation, Grasses & Grass-like Species, Uplands & Meadows, Wildlife Habitat & Food Plots Nest of hair where the blades attach to the stems including Virginia quail, turkeys, doves, and.... Begins in April interested in wildlife forage, wildlife habitat root rot can occur switchgrass can be growing. For biofuel production, wildlife habitat useful on shooting preserves yards, crop fields, and can planted... Virginia and was released by the big Flats, New York plant Materials Center foot tall and indiangrass are... 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The winter, erosion control, and turkeys consume seeds while white-tailed deer, and!, indiangrass and other plant Problems: no serious Problems for switchgrass as …: switchgrass provides excellent and. Its flower plumes it can measure up to six feet tall, depending on the competition for switchgrass as:! Be handled without special drills an issue and if grown in stressful conditions crown or root rot can occur early... And is useful on shooting preserves ” Buckland said valuable soil protection cover crop valuable livestock. Occasional flooding, and usually, has a reddish tint grass in the sun. Local offices in all 100 counties and with the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians areas and for. With the exception of the dominant species of the nonnative grasses offer little food for. Food value for wildlife tremendously is also slightly salt tolerant, withstands occasional flooding, and be...