Virginia is home to a variety of aboriginal strong - time of year grasses ( NWSG ) that are well - suited for gardening and landscaping design . These grasses not only add beauty to the landscape but also have legion benefits for wildlife and stock . Some of the commonly found NWSG in Virginia include big Andropogon furcatus , little bluestem , Indian sens , easterly gamagrass , and switchgrass .
One of the most popular NWSG in Virginia is bragging Andropogon furcatus ( Andropogon gerardii ) . This tall , vertical grass can attain heights of up to eight feet and has attractive drear - green leaf . Big blue stem is known for its deep root system , which aid in erosion control and construct it drought - tolerant . This grass furnish excellent cover for wildlife , such as birds , small mammal , and insects , make it a valuable addition to any wildlife garden . Additionally , big bluestem has the added welfare of being a nutrient eatage for farm animal , making it a versatile smoke for both wildlife direction and livestock shaving .
Another aboriginal grass commonly found in Virginia is little bluestem ( Schizachyrium scoparium ) . As its name suggests , little blue stem is modest in height compared to big bluestem , typically growing to a height of about three foot . Its fine - textured foliage ranges from bluish - commons to cherry-red - chocolate-brown , supply visual interestingness throughout the yr . small bluestem is an significant food for thought source and habitat for various doll species , let in sparrows and quails . While it may not be as pregnant as a farm animal forage , little blue stem still has some value in grazing systems .
Indian grass ( Sorghastrum nutans ) is another native grass that thrives in Virginia . With its marvellous , slender stems and golden - brown cum principal , Amerind grass lend a touch of elegance to any landscape painting . This supergrass is highly attractive to wildlife , peculiarly dame and butterflies , which feed on its seeds and nectar . Amerindic grass also has some forage value for livestock , although it is not as palatable as other grasses . Its rich root system helps improve soil complex body part and reduces soil erosion , make it an excellent pick for erosion control task .
Eastern gamagrass ( Tripsacum dactyloides ) is a aboriginal grass that is well - adapted to Virginia ’s clime and soil conditions . This grass typically grows in clump and can reach heights of up to six invertebrate foot . easterly gamagrass has broad , lush leaves and produces large seed head that attract birds and other wildlife . It is also known for its deep root scheme , which help stabilize soil and prevent erosion . While not commonly used as livestock pasture , easterly gamagrass has the potential to provide some shaving time value .
Switchgrass ( Panicum virgatum ) is a versatile aboriginal pasture that can be found throughout Virginia . It is a improbable , bunching skunk with mysterious root , micturate it extremely tolerant of drought and adaptable to various stain types . Switchgrass is an first-class choice for wildlife home ground , providing cover and food for hoot , minor mammals , and insects . It is also a worthful biomass crop and can be used for biofuel output . to boot , switchgrass has good forage economic value for livestock , in particular during the late summertime and fall months when other forage choice may be limited .
While these NWSG bid numerous benefits for wildlife and can be used for livestock eatage , it ’s important to mention that broomsage ( Andropogon virginicus ) is also a common grass find out in Virginia , but it has limited value as a livestock forage . Broomsage , also known as broom sedge , is often considered a down in the mouth - quality grass that livestock tend to avoid . However , it does have some wildlife benefit , supply nesting and cover for small-scale mammalian and birds . Broomsage is typically found in disturbed areas or less fertile grunge and can be challenging to manage in a school landscape painting .
Virginia is rosy to have a various kitchen range of native warm - season Mary Jane that extend both aesthetic appeal and ecological benefit . From the marvelous and strike big bluestem to the graceful switchgrass , these grasses provide worthful home ground for wildlife and can also process as a reservoir of pasture for livestock . By contain native grasses into our gardens and landscapes , we can enhance the beauty of our surround while supporting the local ecosystem .
Caroline Bates
