Switch Grass (Panicum virgatum)

Switch Grass

Panicum virgatum

Panicum virgatum, commonly known as Switch Grass, is a versatile, warm-season perennial grass that typically grows up to 4 feet tall. It features slender, upright stems with narrow, green to bluish-green leaves that turn golden in the fall. From midsummer to early fall, it produces airy, pink-tinged flower panicles that add visual interest and attract various pollinators. Switch Grass thrives in full sun and tolerates a wide range of soil conditions, including poor and wet soils. It is highly valued for erosion control, wildlife habitat, and as a biofuel source, making it an essential component of sustainable landscapes.

Life CyclePerennial
SunFull to Part
MoistureMedium-Wet to Dry
Bloom TimeJune, July, August
Height4′
Spacing2-4′
USDA3-9