Panicum virgatum - Switchgrass

Characteristics: herbaceous perennial, clumping habit.

Flowers: Slender long stalks with many spike-lets July-September.

Growth: Slow growing. Height: 2-4’

Shade: Prefers full sun but will tolerate partial shade.

Habitat: Fresh and brackish tidal and non-tidal marshes. Inland and upland near coast and upper edges, open woods and wet meadows.

Hydrology: Facultative wetland+. Irregular inundation and upland.

Range: Nova Scotia and Quebec to Manitoba and Montana, south to Florida, Texas and Arizona.

Comments: Beautiful fall color with red seed heads. Adds texture to the landscape and adds a winter interest to the landscape. Controls erosion. Seeds provide a food source to birds and it provides cover for wildlife.