Switchgrass (Panicum Viragatum)

Switchgrass, a warm season, vigorous perennial can be found growing throughout the United States. It grows to a height of 3 to 8 feet tall, depending on the variety. Switchgrass has numerous roots reaching to ten feet deep, as well as underground rhizomes making it an important grass for use in conservation programs. With supplemental irrigation in areas with less than 20 inches of rainfall, switchgrass is an excellent forage during summer. It should be protected from grazing until established because of high palatability.

Leaving a ten-inch stubble will maintain plant stands and vigor, and produce palatable high production for grazing of hay. Switchgrass is readily eaten by all classes of livestock. The seeds are smooth, and can be planted through small seed boxes. Planting depth should be about 1/4 to 1/2 inch. Planting should be done in early spring, preferably March to May. Plant in a firm well-prepared seedbed or in cover crop if soil is subject to erosion.

Switchgrass is drought resistant but is also used extensively in waterways or areas of temporary flooding. "Alamo" Switchgrass is a much later maturing variety, which lengthens the grazing period. It is adapted to Texas and throughout the southeast states. Seeding rate is 1 to 2 pure live seed pounds per acre planted approximately 1/4 to 1/2 inch deep. "Alamo" grows to a height of 5 to 8 feet tall. "Blackwell" Switchgrass is planted at a rate of 3 to 4 pure live seed pounds per acre.

It is used throughout the eastern half of the United States. "Blackwell" is a shorter growing variety reaching three to five feet tall. "Blackwell" requires a shorter growing season to obtain seed maturity so it will reseed itself more readily. Other varieties available are "Cave-N-Rock", "Pathfinder" and "Trailblazer", all being similar to "Blackwell".