Blackwell switch grass (Panicum virgatum, Sp. Pl.: 59 (1753))

Family: Poaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 59 (1753)

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Panicum

Vegetable: Unknown

Observations: N. America to Honduras, Bermuda, Cuba

Description

Blackwell switch grass, scientifically known as Panicum virgatum, is a notable species within the Poaceae family. Native to a wide geographical range that extends from North America down to Honduras, including areas such as Bermuda and Cuba, this resilient grass plays an essential role in the ecosystems it inhabits.

First documented in 1753 by the renowned botanist Carl Linnaeus, Blackwell switch grass has since gained recognition for its adaptability and ecological benefits. It thrives in diverse environments, illustrating a remarkable capacity to flourish in varying soil types and climatic conditions. This adaptability has made it a popular choice for conservation efforts, particularly in regions seeking to restore native grasslands and combat soil erosion.

The morphological characteristics of Blackwell switch grass are as fascinating as its ecological versatility. It typically features robust, upright stems that can reach impressive heights, aiding in its efficacy as a windbreak and its ability to provide substantial ground cover. The foliage is adorned with long, slender leaves that exhibit a graceful, arching form, contributing to its ornamental appeal as well.

Ecologically, Panicum virgatum is revered for its deep-rooting system, which significantly enhances soil health by improving its structure and fertility. This deep root network also makes the plant highly drought-resistant, a quality that positions it as a valuable species in regions prone to water scarcity. Moreover, Blackwell switch grass serves as a critical habitat and food source for various wildlife, including birds and small mammals, thereby supporting biodiversity within its native range.

Beyond its ecological contributions, Blackwell switch grass has also garnered attention for its potential in bioenergy production. Its high biomass yield and low maintenance requirements render it an attractive candidate for sustainable energy projects, further underscoring its multifaceted value.

In summary, Blackwell switch grass (Panicum virgatum) is a remarkable and versatile species native to a broad geographic area from North America to Honduras, Bermuda, and Cuba. Its ecological benefits, resilience, and potential applications in conservation and bioenergy highlight its importance within both natural ecosystems and human endeavors.

Common Names

Eng: blackwell switch grass, old switch panic grass, switch grass, switchgrass, old switch panicgrass, wand panicgrass
Deu: ruten-hirse, rutenhirse
Dan: staude-hirse
Swe: jungfruhirs
Fra: panic vierge, panic érigé, panic raide, panic dressé
Ita: panico vergato
En: Blackwell switch grass, Switch grass, Switchgrass, Old switch panic grass, Old switch panicgrass, Wand panicgrass, Blackwell Switchgrass
Zh: Liu zhi ji
Da: Staude-hirse
Fr: Panic érigé, Panic vierge, Panic raide, Panic dressé, Millet dressé
De: Rutenhirse, Ruten-Hirse
It: Panico vergato
Sv: Jungfruhirs

Synonyms

• Panicum kunthii (E.Fourn.)
• Ichnanthus glaber (Link ex Steud.)
• Panicum buchingeri (E.Fourn.)
• Panicum virgatum var. elongatum (Vasey)
• Panicum virgatum var. diffusum (Vasey)
• Panicum virgatum var. cubense (Griseb.)
• Panicum virgatum subsp. cubense ((Griseb.) Borhidi)
• Panicum virgatum var. confertum (Vasey)
• Panicum virgatum var. thyrsiforme (H.P.Linder)
• Panicum pruinosum (Bernh. ex Trin.)
• Panicum virgatum var. breviramosum (Nash)
• Panicum virgatum var. glauciphyllum (Cassidy)
• Panicum virgatum var. spissum (H.P.Linder)
• Panicum virgatum var. scorteum (H.P.Linder)
• Eatonia purpurascens (Raf.)
• Panicum virgatum var. obtusum (Alph.Wood)
• Chasea virgata ((L.) Nieuwl.)
• Panicum ichnanthoides (E.Fourn.)
• Milium virgatum ((L.) Lunell)
• Milium virgatum var. elongatum ((Vasey) Lunell)

Distribution

• Alabama (native)
• Arizona (native)
• Arkansas (native)
• Belize (native)
• Bermuda (native)
• Colorado (native)
• Connecticut (native)
• Cuba (native)
• Delaware (native)
• District of Columbia (native)
• Florida (native)
• Georgia (native)
• Honduras (native)
• Illinois (native)
• Indiana (native)
• Iowa (native)
• Kansas (native)
• Kentucky (native)
• Louisiana (native)
• Manitoba (native)
• Maryland (native)
• Masachusettes (native)
• Mexico Central (native)
• Mexico Gulf (native)
• Mexico Northeast (native)
• Mexico Northwest (native)
• Mexico Southeast (native)
• Mexico Southwest (native)
• Michigan (native)
• Minnesota (native)
• Mississippi (native)
• Missouri (native)
• Montana (native)
• Nebraska (native)
• Nevada (native)
• New Hampshire (native)
• New Jersey (native)
• New Mexico (native)
• New York (native)
• North Carolina (native)
• North Dakota (native)
• Nova Scotia (native)
• Ohio (native)
• Oklahoma (native)
• Ontario (native)
• Pennsylvania (native)
• Québec (native)
• Rhode I. (native)
• Saskatchewan (native)
• South Carolina (native)
• South Dakota (native)
• Tennessee (native)
• Texas (native)
• Utah (native)
• Vermont (native)
• Virginia (native)
• West Virginia (native)
• Wisconsin (native)
• Wyoming (native)
• Austria (introduced)
• Belgium (introduced)
• Brazil North (introduced)
• Brazil Northeast (introduced)
• Brazil Southeast (introduced)
• China North-Central (introduced)
• China South-Central (introduced)
• China Southeast (introduced)
• Great Britain (introduced)
• Hawaii (introduced)
• India (introduced)
• Japan (introduced)
• Korea (introduced)

Additional Images

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Flower

Taken Sep 24, 2021 by Marie-Josée Sicard (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 3, 2022 by Nathan Abraham (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − John Hilty (cc-by-nc)

Taken Aug 17, 2022 by Fabrice Rubio (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 17, 2022 by Fabrice Rubio (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Sep 15, 2014 by EOL − timarcus (cc-by-nc)

Taken Oct 12, 2020 by jimmy lefebvre (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 30, 2022 by Fabrice Rubio (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 2022 by Joseph Dupont (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 17, 2022 by Fabrice Rubio (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Nov 18, 2019 by Bart Batsleer (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 24, 2020 by Ally Kapenja (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 18, 2019 by Bart Batsleer (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 17, 2022 by Fabrice Rubio (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 5, 2021 by Jessica MacDonald (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Sep 26, 2021 by Sánchez José Antonio (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 11, 2022 by Margot Sellinger (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 27, 2020 by Manuel Mateu-Ratera (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 21, 2022 by Blue Bottle (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 21, 2022 by Blue Bottle (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Jun 15, 2018 by S S (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 1, 2017 by Gilles ROUXEL (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 23, 2019 by Rob Mastin (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 31, 2019 by Valls Martín (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 11, 2014 by EOL − Jennifer Rycenga (cc-by-nc)

Other

Taken Jun 6, 2021 by abychou (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 12, 2020 by fulvio fulvio (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:413537-1)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2705081)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Panicum virgatum L.)

Specifications

Growth