By Suzanne Wodek
Anne Holmes, artist
Panicum virgatum, commonly called switchgrass, is a native, perennial, warm-season bunch grass. It is hardy and deep-rooted, growing up to 8 feet tall. Due to its height, it can form an effective wind erosion barrier. Once established, a stand can survive for ten years or longer.
Common uses include soil conservation, erosion control and as a drought-resistant ornamental grass. It is the preferred larval host plant of the Dargida rubripennis, or pink streak moth.
Upcoming Events
Pollinator-Friendly Pest Management, with Brannen Basham
Monday, August 12, 6-7:30 p.m.
Sometimes the cure can seem worse than the disease. So it is with pesticides for insects, funguses and invasive exotic weeds. This class provides pointers on defining what is truly a pest and when and how to manage it with the least harm to pollinators. Insects sometimes viewed as pests, like wasps, are among the best pest managers, and diversity is a gardener’s best friend. Instructor Brannen Basham, with his wife Jill Jacobs, owns Spriggly’s Beescaping, a nature education and habitat restoration business in Western North Carolina.
Asheville Botanical Garden, located at 151 W.T. Weaver Boulevard, is a nonprofit organization housing a collection of plants native to the Southern Appalachian Mountains. Gardens are open sunrise to sunset. The gift shop, carrying garden-themed items and books, is open daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is free, but donations are appreciated and memberships are encouraged. Membership benefits include a discount of 10 percent on purchases in the gift shop, an extensive collection of gardening and nature books in the Cole Library that members can check out (reference collection not included), our quarterly New Leaf newsletter, and tours and programs at a reduced rate.
Learn more at AshevilleBotanicalGarden.org.
