Switchgrass

welcome to the

Douglas county conservation district

serving landowners in Douglas County, Colorado for over 50 years

Box 688, 7519 E. Hwy 86, Franktown, CO 80116, 303-688-3042 ext. 100

Color Picture	Switchgrass Panicum virgatum Native to all areas of U.S. except California and Pacific Northwest. Medium-tall warm season, long-lived, patchy sod grass. Strongly Rhizomatous with smooth culms and abundant leaves 2" long. Light blue-green leaf blades wide, flat or folded and has orange colored foliage in the fall.
Preferences	Best adapted to overflow sites especially silty or clayey soils with adequate moisture. Some drought resistance. Winter hardy. Tolerant of moderate salinity or acidity. Established stands start growth in late spring and matures in late summer or early fall and has fair re-growth into fall.
Uses	Used irrigated and non-irrigated for grazing, hay, wildlife food, and cover. Palatable until headed and has poor palatability in fall and winter. Used in mixtures with big bluestem or Indian grass for pasture.
Planting	Drill or broadcast see 1/4 - 3/4" deep on firm seedbed; dead litter or mulch recommended when planting. Weed control necessary.