Switchgrass
Scientific name: Panicum dichotomiflorum
This native perennial is also known as fall panic grass. It can reach three feet in height.
Leaves
Features medium green leaves which turn yellow (sometimes with orange tints) in autumn, fading to tan-beige in winter.
Flowers
It is a clump-forming, warm season grass which typically grows to 3 feet tall. When in flower, flower panicles may bring total plant height to 6 feet. Foliage clump is topped in mid-summer by finely-textured, showy pink-tinged, branched flowers which hover over the foliage like an airy cloud. Panicles turn beige as the seeds mature in fall, with the seed plumes persisting well into winter.
Blooming Season
Summer and Fall
Fun Facts
Switchgrass is being widely studied by Agricultural Research Service scientists for its potential as a biofuel.
Habitat
Full sun to part shade. It occurs in both wet and dry soils, in fields and open woods, gravel bars and stream banks and along railroad tracks and other disturbed areas.
Similar Species
Other native grasses are little bluestem and Indian grass.
Ecosystem Connections
Attracts birds as its seeds are a good source of food for birds in winter.
How You Can Help
Consider planting a native grass in your garden for their ease, beauty and contribution to our local ecosystem.
More on Flowers and Grasses in Lewisboro