switch grass

American  

noun

1. a North American grass, Panicum virgatum, having an open, branching inflorescence.

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Etymology

Origin of switch grass

1830–40, alteration of quitch ( grass )

Example Sentences

Fifteen billion would be derived from food crops like corn, but much of the rest was to come from the development of cellulosic ethanol: fuel from wood chips, switch grass and the like.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 21, 2025

The newest biofuels don’t compete with food sources, instead producing energy from inedible plants like switch grass or algae.

From Seattle Times • May 17, 2022

That day she, the chief and another firefighter went to the blast site, now patched with switch grass and evening primrose.

From Washington Post • Oct. 10, 2017

For example, the Friends of Silverwood are using about 16 acres for garden plots, while UW-Madison is using 44 acres for a demonstration project on switch grass.

From Washington Times • Dec. 17, 2016

The richest happiness comes from within,    From duties well accomplished blessings flow, And precious fruits of action, thought and deed    That will not give rude switch grass place to grow.

From Home Lyrics by Battersby, H. S. (Hannah S.)