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Cave-in-Rock Switchgrass

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description Cave-in-Rock Switchgrass Overview

Cave-in-Rock is a cultivar of switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) released in March 1974 by the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service's Elsberry Plant Materials Center in cooperation with the University of Missouri Agricultural Experiment Station. It is an upland, warm-season perennial with stiff stems, an extensive root system, and tolerance of a range of soils. The cultivar is used for forage, pasture, wildlife cover, erosion control, wind barriers, and bioenergy.

help Cave-in-Rock Switchgrass FAQ

What is Cave-in-Rock switchgrass?

Cave-in-Rock is a cultivar of switchgrass, Panicum virgatum, associated with southern Illinois and the USDA plant materials program. Cultivar references commonly date its release to 1973, while some USDA release material records a March 1974 release document. [USDA NRCS](https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/plantmaterials/mopmcrb11259.pdf)

Why is Cave-in-Rock switchgrass used for conservation planting?

It is a perennial warm-season grass that produces dense cover and an extensive root system. That makes it useful for reducing erosion, stabilizing soil, and providing habitat on conservation ground.

Can Cave-in-Rock switchgrass be used as a biofuel crop?

Yes. Switchgrass is studied as a perennial biomass crop for cellulosic energy, and Cave-in-Rock is one of the cultivars evaluated for biomass production. It is managed as a long-lived grass stand rather than harvested like an annual grain crop. [USDA NRCS](https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/plantmaterials/mopmcrb11259.pdf)

Where is Cave-in-Rock switchgrass adapted?

USDA planting guidance identifies Illinois as its origin and lists adaptation across several cool and moderate hardiness zones, including zones 4b through 6b. Local soil, moisture, and establishment conditions still determine whether the stand performs well. [USDA NRCS](https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/plantmaterials/kspmctn9022.pdf)

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