Panicum virgatum

Common Names

Switchgrass, Switch Grass, Tall Panic Grass, Thatchgrass, Wild Redtop

Summary

Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) is a native warm-season perennial grass that is a dominant tallgrass prairie species across much of North America, forming upright clumps with a rhizomatous root system that can reach up to 10 feet, it grows 3-6 feet tall, with green to blue-green leaves that turn yellow in autumn, airy panicles rise above the foliage, often pink-tinged, and seed heads persist into winter, Native from southern Canada to Mexico east of the Rockies, Switchgrass is wind-pollinated and produces seeds that feed wildlife, In cultivation, Switchgrass prefers full sun and moist to mesic soils, tolerating a wide range of soils and drought once established, it may flop in fertile soils and is generally pest- and disease-free, Propagation is by seed or division, with division every three years recommended to maintain vigor, some cultivars may self-seed under optimum conditions, Uses include ornamental mass plantings, prairie restoration, erosion control, forage and wildlife habitat, and it has been explored as a biofuel resource, seed heads are also suitable for cut arrangements and winter interest

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

3-6 feet

Spread

24-36 inches

Hardiness Zones

Zones 5-9

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally Full Sun; tolerates Partial Sun and Partial Shade.

Soil Type

Well-drained loam soil (loam or sandy loam).

Soil Drainage

Well-drained soil (sand, clay, or loam)

Soil pH

4.5-7.6

Bloom Color

Gold/Yellow, Pink, Purple/Lavender, Red/Burgundy

Bloom Time

Summer to Fall

Foliage Color

Green, blue-green, gold/yellow, red/burgundy, orange, purple

Fall Foliage Color

Yellow to gold

Leaf Lifecycle

Deciduous

Growth Rate

Fast

Seasons of Interest

Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter

Propagation Methods

Seeds and Division

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts birds, Attracts butterflies, Attracts other pollinators