Switch grass is an easily grown, warm-season ornamental grass that adapts to many soil types. It prefers sun and tolerates shade, but with excessive shade, begins to lose its form. It grows in clumps, and is self-seeding. During spring and summer, leaves are medium green; inconspicuous pinkish-purple flowers top the tall grass. In fall, switch grass turns the color of wheat. There are some reports indicating that switch grass (Panicum virgatum) is toxic to rodents, sheep, goats, and horses. Seeds are consumed by birds, while pheasants, quail, doves, and songbirds nest in the tall grass.
Switch grass is common to the prairies of the U.S. It is not fussy about humidity or watering. It can be found in the dry lands or in wet bottomlands, can survive spring flooding and is capable of producing high yields. Full yield is reached the third year after planting. Upland switch grass is five to six feet tall; lowland types can grow up to 12 feet. Switch grass is used for restoration and control of erosion. Studies indicate that switch grass is an energy biomass plant; if used to produce energy, it will replace fossil fuels (coal, oil, and gas).