Panicum virgatum

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Tried and True Recommended by 3 Professionals

Species Native to Missouri

Common Name: switch grass

Type: Ornamental grass

Family: Poaceae

Zone: 5 to 9

Native Range: Central America to southern Canada

Garden Location: Lucy and Stanley Lopata Prairie Garden, Suzanne Stagg Wright Rock Garden

Height: 3 to 6 feet

Spread: 2 to 3 feet

Bloom Time: July to February

Bloom Color: Pink

Bloom Description: Pink-tinged

Sun: Full sun to part shade

Water: Medium to wet

Maintenance: Low

Flowers: Showy Flowers

Leaves: Good Fall Color

Other: Winter Interest

Wildlife: Attracts Birds

Tolerates: Dry Soil, Wet Soil, Drought, Air Pollution, Black Walnuts

Uses: Cut Flower, Dried Flower, Erosion Control, Rain Garden, Will Naturalize

Culture

Easily grown in average, medium to wet soils in full sun to part shade. Tolerates wide range of soils, including dry ones, but prefers moist, sandy or clay soils. Tends to flop in rich soils. Generally best in full sun. Will grow in part shade, but begins to lose its columnar form in too much shade, growing more openly and possibly falling over. Grows primarily in clumps, but may naturalize by rhizomes as well as self-seeding to form sizable colonies. Cut back clumps to the ground in late winter to early spring. May be grown from seed.