Switch Grass (Panicum virgatum)

Switch grass is a native grass of the American prairies. Its tall slender culms range in height from three feet to seven feet. The airy panicles of flowers, followed by edible seeds are held above the foliage. Flowering begins in mid to late summer. As days cool the entire plant turns a beautiful buff color. This grass holds up well in the winter, providing wonderful winter interest.

The tall culmps and delicate seed heads sway in the breezes, bringing movement to the garden. A dark background really accents it. It is best used in informal settings. A mass planting of them is stunning. They are easy to grow and do best in full sun. They can withstand poor drainage.

The arboretum has two cultivars of switch grass:
Cloud Nine Switch Grass (Panicum virgatum ‘Cloud Nine’)

This is a 6 foot tall grass. It would make an excellent accent plant in the back of a border or could be used as a screen.
Shenandoah Switch Grass (Panicum virgatum ‘Shenandoah’)
This is a 3-4 foot tall grass. Its shorter stature makes it much easier to use in the landscape. It can be planted en masse for a dramatic effect or used as an accent plant.

They provide three seasons of interest. In the summer they are graceful stems of foliage.

Late summer- early fall bring delicate panicles of flowers which become airy seed heads in fall. This grass persists through winter with its beautiful buff leaves and seeds swaying in the wind. Cut the entire plant back in late winter and watch nature repeat the cycle again.
  View Ornamental Garden

Come to the arboretum to enjoy this graceful grass summer, autumn, and winter.