Switchgrass (
Panicum virgatum) is a warm-season perennial grass. It is commonly used in pastures as a cover crop or to control erosion. It has green leaf blades that have a reddish tint. Reddish seedheads form during late August and September, afterwhich the leaf blades turn pale yellow and the seeds on the panicles turn beige.
Toxic components
Panicum species contain steroidal saponins. If large quantities of steroidal saponins are ingested by horses, it can lead to liver damage and secondary
photosensitization in grazing livestock in the USA and Australia. Switchgrass also contains oxalates with varying toxicity levels throughout the different plant parts and cultivars. Highest levels occurring in young, rapidly growing plants.
