PRODUCTS

Panicum virgatum Switchgrass

Warm season, strongly rhizomatous open sod former found on a wide variety of sites where moisture is adequate. Produces abundant summer forage that is highly palatable and nutritious to livestock and wildlife. Seed is sought by birds and small mammals. Useful for controlling soil erosion, land reclamation and range improvement.

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Species Attributes

Height:

25 in. or taller

Life Form:

Sodformer

Native or Introduced:

Native

Season:

Warm

Sun & Shade Tolerance:

granite seed sun and shade tolerance icon

Elevation:

ft.

Precipitation:

12 in. - Wetland adapted

Soil Texture
Coarse:

Average

Moderately Coarse:

Best

Medium:

Best

Moderately Fine:

Best

Fine:

Marginal

Soil pH
Acidic:

Best

Neutral:

Best

Basic:

Average

Seeding Rate:

3 - 5 PLS lbs/Acre

Pure Seed per Bushel:

44.90 lbs.

Seeds per Pound:

389,000

Germination Time:

Days

Mycorrhizal Dependent:

Yes

Planting Season:

Summer

Variety:

Pathfinder

Developed from twelve superior clones. Winter-hardy, leafy, late-maturing. Develops good stands and produces good forage yields. (Released 1967, source of ecotype: NE and KS collections)

Trailblazer

Developed primarily for its superior forage quality. Trailblazer is recommended for use throughout the northern short grass plains. (Released 1984, source of ecotype: developed from Pathfinder)

Sunburst

Selected for superior seedling vigor (seed is about twice the size of other switchgrass varieties) and improved stand establishment. It has a median maturity date similar to Nebraska 28 and Forestburg that is about two weeks earlier than Pathfinder and Blackwell. Sunburst produces high forage yields, and performs well in northern Great Plains states. (Released 1983, source of ecotype: Yankton County, SD)

Nebraska 28

An early-maturing strain representative of Nebraska Sandhill types. Leafy, achieves moderate heights and is non-uniform. Tends to be susceptible to rust. (Released 1949, source of ecotype: Holt County, NE)

Blackwell

An upland type switchgrass, leafy and medium in height. Good resistance to disease, widely adapted in north TX, OK, NE, and KS. (Released 1944, source of ecotype: Blackwell, OK)

Kanlow

Varieties:

Alamo

Unlike previously existing varieties, Alamo is adapted to and performs well in the southern half of Texas. Produces superior forage, is long-lived, and matures 2 months later than other strains. (Released 1978, source of ecotype: Frio River, TX)

Variety Release Notes:
PAVI-Alamo.pdf
Dacotah

A cold hardy northerly variety selected for its high plant vigor, seed yield, leafiness and drought tolerance. Tends to be shorter and matures faster than other switchgrass varieties. (Released 1989, source of ecotype: Morten County, ND)

Variety Release Notes:
PAVI-Dacotah.pdf
Forestburg

Superior winter hardiness and persistence, seed production ability and earlier maturity than other varieties. The best forage producer in northerly latitudes. (Released 1987, source of ecotype: Forestburg, SD)

Variety Release Notes:
PAVI-Forestburg.pdf
lands

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