switch grass

noun

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of switch grass¹

1830–40, Americanism; alteration of quitch ( grass )

Example Sentences

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

From Seattle Times

But development of renewable fuels from waste or substances like fast-growing algae and switch grass has been frustratingly slow.

From Seattle Times

I have moved away from the massive miscanthus grass, not only for its invasiveness but also because it lacks the elegance of grasses such as switch grass, molinia, prairie dropseed and little bluestem.

From Washington Post

Among switch grass varieties, the stalwart Shenandoah remains the best, Dietrich says.

From Washington Post

The federal act is intended to infuse into the fuel supply tens of billions of gallons of futuristic, environmentally sound biofuel made from such things as cornstalks, switch grass and wood chips.

From Los Angeles Times