Panicum virgatum

Switchgrass is a warm-season grass that grows in clumps. When flowering in late summer, it exhibits a purple stigma that becomes large, open, attractive seedheads. Once abundant in the prairies of central North America, it is one of the “Big Four” grass species along with Indiangrass, Big Bluestem and Little Bluestem of those grasslands. Its rigid yellow stems stand up all winter, and provide cover, nesting sites, and food sources for many song and game birds. It is also a larval host for most banded skippers and satyrs.

Zone: 3-10 (Map)
Habitat: Part to full sun. Tolerant of dry soils but will grow taller in moist soils.
Growth: 3-6’ tall, 1-3’ wide