Panicum virgatum (Switch Grass)

A stately sight in the landscape, Panicum virgatum (Switch Grass) is a clump-forming perennial grass forming an erect-stemmed and narrow clump of bright green leaves throughout the growing season. From late summer to fall, the foliage is topped with a profusion of finely-textured, reddish-purple flower panicles which hover over the foliage like an airy cloud. They persist well into fall before eventually turning beige while the foliage turns a lovely bright golden-yellow shade in fall. Ground-feeding songbirds and game birds feast on the seeds. Like many North American prairie grasses, Switch Grass is a long-lived, warm-season grower. Quite sturdy, even when dry or dormant, it stands through winter (unless your area enjoys heavy snowfalls), providing essential cover for birds. Plant it as a backdrop for a flower garden, as a hedge or screen, or in a native garden.

• Grows up to 3-6 ft tall (90-180 cm) and 2-3 ft. wide (60-90 cm). Will spread by underground rhizomes and seed – give it plenty of room.
• Performs best in full sun in average, dry to moist, well-drained soils. Tolerates part shade, but will lose its upright form in too much shade and may fall over. Tolerates a wide range of soils, including dry soils, but prefers moist, sandy, or clay soils. Drought and wet soil tolerant.
• Welcomed in any garden style, it is versatile and can be used in groups or en masse. It is ideal in borders where it provides texture, color, and contrast. Excellent choice for prairies and meadows, along ponds and streams, or in naturalized areas.
• No serious insect or disease problems. Deer resistant.
• Requires little maintenance except cutting back the old foliage to the ground in late winter to early spring.
• Propagate by sowing unstratified seed in fall or stratified seed in spring.
• Native to North America.