Switchgrass

Classification:

Family:  Poaceae, grass family
Genus species:  Panicum vigatum

Leaves:
Leaves are elongated, flat. Margins of leaves are rough. Upper surface of leaf base has a triangular patch of hairs.

Flowers:
Flowers are small, arranged in diffuse spikes. Spikes are up to 20 inches long.

Fruit:
Seed head is open, with branches projecting outward.

More Information:

Panicum is from the Latin for a type of grass and virgatum is from the Latin for "twiggy" or "with branches," referring to the branching spikes of flowers.

Photos: