Switchgrass
Classification:
Family: Poaceae, grass family
Genus species: Panicum virgatum
Leaves:
Leaves are elongated, flat. Margins of leaves are rough. Upper surface of leaf base has a triangular patch of hairs.
Flowers:
Flowers are small, arranged in diffuse spikes. Spikes are up to 20 inches long.
Fruit:
Seed head is open, with branches projecting outward.
More Information:
The genus name Panicum is from the Latin for "a type of grass" and the species name virgatum is from the Latin for "twiggy" or "with branches," referring to the branching spikes of flowers. The common name "switch" is from the German for a long tapering riding whip.
Switchgrass
Switchgrass
