SKU: GP00800

Panicum virgatum - Switchgrass is a native, clump-forming, warm-season perennial grass with open, lacy sprays of seeds. One of the dominant species of the tallgrass prairie, Switchgrass reaches 3-6 feet tall and has reddish-purple seedheads when ripe and pale yellow fall color. The yellow colored clumps last throughout the winter. Switchgrass is an attractive accent in the garden, with pink-tinged flower panicles in mid-summer. Cut back clumps to the ground in late winter to early spring. Makes a good cut flower or dried flower.

Height: 3-6'
Spread: 2-3'
Zone: 5 to 9
Soil type: Dry to moist soils. Sandy, Sandy Loam, Medium Loam Clay Loam, Clay, Limestone-based.
Soil pH: 4.5-7.6
Light: Full sun
Moisture: Medium moist
Flowers: Pink-tinged in mid-summer
Fruit: Reddish-purple seedheads, plumes persist into winter
Fall color: Pale yellow

Wildlife value: Cattle, horse, sheep Graze, Seeds-granivorous birds, Cover, Nesting material, Larval host-Delaware Skipper butterfly
Notes of Interest: Deer resistant. Switchgrass is being investigated for use as a biofuel.

Distribution
USA: AL, AZ, AR, CO, CT, DE, FL, GA, HI, ID, IL, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MS, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VT, VA, WV, WI, WY
Native Distribution: Que. to Sask. & MT, s. to FL, TX, AZ & Mex.
Native Habitat: Dry or moist prairies; bluffs; stream banks; open woods. In moist and seasonally damp open places