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Link to Iowa Seed Home Page Panicum virgatum:
Switch Grass 

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Switchgrass

A North American native grass, Switch grass is adaptable to a variety of climates and establishes itself very quickly; It is very aggressive and needs strong competition.

Switchgrass

Switchgrass in summer
and in its fall colors

 

Switchgrass

Its slender leaves, 1-2 feet long, are medium green in summer, turning bright yellow, gold, or orange in fall.



Height: 3 - 5 ft
Season of Growth: Warm (mid-June - Sept)
Life Cycle: Perennial
Propagation: Easily from Seed
 

Switch grass grows on a wide variety of soils and will tolerate a wide range of moisture regimes from wet mesic to dry.

It requires full to partial sun.
 

Wildlife Value

Nesting: Excellent, but in time can become too dense if not managed properly by haying, grazing or burning.
Protective Cover: Excellent; it stands well throughout the winter
Food: Excellent. Over 60 species of birds and mammals use the seeds and foliage of this species.  It attracts butterflies, skippers, birds, and mammals.

songbirdbutterflycattlequailgamebird
 
FYI image Switch grass has good forage value for livestock. The species is great for erosion control. While it is excellent winter and early spring wildlife cover, pheasants and quail prefer mixed stands of native prairie grasses.  Switch grass works well in ornamental landscaping and is attractive in dried floral arrangements.

Switch Grass Price List

14,000 seeds / ounce
Item # Amount Price  
PanVirP Packet $2  
PanVirOz Ounce $2  
PanVirLb Pound

$10

 
(Grass prices change often ~~
Call for current prices)

To order Switch grass,
Call (515) 733-4634
Or Order by Mail: Order Form
 

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Iowa Prairie Seed Company
911 Elm Avenue
Story City, Iowa 50478
(515) 733-4634

Email: rbbunn@iowatelecom.net

©2006 [Iowa Prairie Seed Company; Story City, IA]. All rights reserved.