Blackwell Switchgrass
Panicum virgatum 'Blackwell'(Grasses)
Blackwell Switchgrass was originally collected from a single plant near Blackwell, Oklahoma in 1944 and developed at the Manhattan, Ks. Plant Materials Center and the Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station. This Switchgraass has been planted to well over a million acres and has a long history of endurance through all weather situations and has provided consistent benefit for restoration, pasture usage, wildlife cover and nesting, waterways, disturbed sites and levie seeding.
Blackwell Switchgrass is fine-stemmed, moderately tall and leafy, with good seedling vigor. It displays good resistance to stem rust disease. Blackwell has been used from Texas to the Atlantic region. A good forage grass, however,Blackwell Switchgrass produces less forage than the 'Cave-in-Rock' variety. The variety is an upland type of switchgrass, moderately tall (4 feet at maturity) and leafy, with good seedling vigor.
Plant performance is best on moderate to fine textured deep soils in areas of greater than 14 inches of average annual precipitation. Western and northern varieties are generally adapted to drier conditions.
Switchgrass is a small, smooth seed with approximately 390,000 seeds per pound. The
recommended drilled seeding rate can vary according to where in the United States the seed is being planted. General rates are 4 - 5 PLS lbs. per acre drilled. Rates can increase with other planting methods or usages. The recommended broadcast seeding rate is two times the recommended drill rates. Seeding rates vary across the United States, generally increasing from west to east. The recommended seeding rate is 10 PLS pounds per acre in the southeastern United States (USDA, NRCS 2006b). Spring
or fall dormant seeding dates are recommended. A firm seedbed is essential for a shallow seeding
depth (1/4 inch). Studies have shown an average germination of 65 percent when planted 1 inch
deep, and zero germination when planted 2 inches deep (USDA, NRCS 2003).
Abundant broadleaf weeds and annual grasses need to be controlled by mowing and/or herbicide application. Young plants of annual foxtails (Setaria species) look very similar to switchgrass seedlings. Dense stands of foxtail can be very competitive and significantly reduce stand establishment. Herbicides generally are more effective than mowing in controlling annual
grasses.
Palatability and digestibility of switchgrass are good when harvested in the
early boot stage. Allow for 8 inches of stubble in early summer and 12 inches in late summer
(USDA, NRCS 2006b).
BIOMASS: Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L., Poaceae), an indigenous perennial herbaceous species distributed over much of the contiguous US, was chosen by the Department of Energy (DOE) as the model herbaceous species for development as a bioenergy feedstock crop. It was chosen on the basis of its wide adaptation, high production potential on marginal soils, and tolerance to biotic and abiotic stress agents (McLaughlin 1993). Switchgrass for Biomass production and the varieties best suited are dependent on the area of the country in which the seed is to be planted. Contact us by phone or your local NRCS or view web information available on research on a specific variety. There are basic guidelines applicable to all switchgrasses as regarding seedbeds, herbicides and other factors. Specific varities best suited vary
as to the planting location in the United States. Remember all switchgrasses are suited for Biomass usage.
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Highly adaptable |
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Suited to many applications |
Height36-50 Inches
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Spread24-50 Inches
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Growing & Maintenance TipsPreferred planting time is spring, until June 30; dormant planting may be done November through February. Recommended planting rate is four to six PLS pounds per acre, if in a pure stand. In seed mixes, switchgrasses should represent the lowest percentage of grasses in the mix because of its agressive nature.
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Interesting NotesThe original seed for this variety was from the Blackwell, Oklahoma area.
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USDA Hardiness Zone 5 - 9
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Characteristics & Attributes
