Switchgrass

[[image:switchgrass.jpg width="309" height="352" caption="switchgrass from online source" link="http://www.andersonprairie.org"]]
(1) Switch grass is a tall-growing, warm-season, perennial grass. It makes most of its growth in June, July and August. It is also beneficial for wildlife. The upright growth provides wildlife some overhead cover for protection, quality nest sites, and free movement which facilitates food searching. [|www.ext.vt.edu/pubs/forage/418-013/418-013.html]- online source for paragraph 1

(2) Switchgrass can be found in many states including Iowa. Its growth period is in the summer and it has a rapid growth rate and a long lifespan. It is not toxic to nearby plants of livestock and it requires coarse, fine, and medium soil textures. [|www.gardenguides.com/plants/plant.asp?symbol=PAVI2]- online source for paragraph 2

__Evidence that it exists in the AHP__ There is much evidence to conclude that switchgrass exists in the Ames High Prairie. My first source states that it is tall-growing and grows in warm weather. When the picture of the switchgrass from the AHP was taken it was in September which would be a time when it would be growing and it is also tall. My second source said that it is grown in Iowa so that is also more evidence that it exists in the Ames High Prairie. It is also not toxic to nearby plants which makes it suitable for a prairie. Also the soil texture of the AHP meets the requirements switchgrass needs to grow.