#switchgrass

(all my own photos except for the switchgrass)

These species were picked for ease of care and fast growth based off my experience growing them!! 

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Plant of the Day

Monday 3 December 2018

The deciduous, clump-forming perennial Panicum virgatum 'Shenandoah' (switch grass) starts to provide a winter display as the steely blue-green leaves of summer turn golden. This vertical ornamental grass contrasts well with the foamy flower heads of Anaphalis triplinervis (triple-nerved pearly everlasting flower).

Portrait of a Seed Head

From Farm to Fuel Tank: 5 Eco-Friendly Crops Grown for Gas and Diesel

Switchgrass: The Unsung Hero of Native Grasses

Did you know that switchgrass, a native North American grass, is capable of producing up to 10 tons of biomass per acre per year, making it a highly sought-after crop for biofuel production? This staggering statistic highlights the immense potential of switchgrass, a plant that has been flying under the radar for far too long.

What is Switchgrass?

Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) is a perennial grass native to the tallgrass prairies of North America. It is a warm-season grass, meaning it grows most actively during the summer months, and can thrive in a wide range of environments, from dry to wet soils and from full sun to partial shade.

Benefits of Switchgrass

Switchgrass has numerous benefits that make it an attractive crop for farmers, landscapers, and environmentalists alike. Some of the key advantages of switchgrass include:

Drought tolerance: Switchgrass is highly resistant to drought, making it an ideal crop for areas prone to water scarcity.

Erosion control: The deep roots of switchgrass help to stabilize soil and prevent erosion, making it an effective tool for soil conservation.

Wildlife habitat: Switchgrass provides a habitat for a variety of wildlife, including birds, insects, and small mammals.

Carbon sequestration: Switchgrass is a highly efficient carbon sink, making it a valuable tool in the fight against climate change.

Growth Control and Eradication

While switchgrass is a valuable crop, it can sometimes become invasive and require control measures. For growth control or eradication, Celsius WG For Warm Season Turf Herbicide is a highly effective solution. This herbicide is specifically designed to target warm-season grasses like switchgrass, making it an ideal tool for landscapers and farmers.

-> Get **Celsius WG For Warm Season Turf Herbicide** here.

Cultivation and Maintenance

Switchgrass is relatively easy to cultivate and maintain, making it a great option for farmers and landscapers of all experience levels. Here are some tips for growing and caring for switchgrass:

Planting: Switchgrass can be planted in the spring or fall, using seeds or seedlings.

Watering: Switchgrass requires minimal watering, making it a low-maintenance crop.

Fertilization: Switchgrass does not require fertilization, as it is a low-input crop.

Mowing: Switchgrass should be mowed regularly to maintain its height and promote healthy growth.

Conclusion

Honestly, don't know what's going on rn. Everything's been a blur the past few weeks.

Did go out on a nice seed collection adventure.

Collecting local seed from native plants is super important in restoration work. While it's possible to find the same species growing in different areas around the country, localized populations are specifically adapted to the regions they grow in. So for instance, while it's possible to find Hoary Tansyaster in a bunch of states, seeds that are collected in New York aren't going to do as well if you plant them Arizona, or vice versa. Having local ecotype seeds adapted to the climate region you're in means it's more likely for those seeds and plants to succeed. It also helps to protect the genetic biodiversity of plant populations.

Snowball Sand Verbena (Abronia fragrans)

Hoary Tansyaster (Machaeranthera canescen)

Prairie Sunflower (Helianthus petiolaris)

Hairy False Golden Aster (Heterotheca villosa)

Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) (I think.)

Some big ol' Chlorophyllum (sp?) mushrooms.

Bonus:

Portal to another dimension.