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

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

He will also ask Congress to create new tax breaks for the production of cellulosic ethanol, a gasoline alternative made from nonfood plants such as switch grass.

From New York Times • Feb. 18, 2014

The most common grasses are several varieties of paspalum or carpet grass, switch grass, wire grass, little blue maiden cane and Bermuda.

From Florida: An Ideal Cattle State by Association, Florida State Live Stock