Sun Exposure: Sun, Part Sun
Soil Moisture: Medium-Wet, Medium, Medium-Dry, Dry
Soil Type: Sand, Loam, Clay
Height: 3 - 4 feet
Spread: 2 - 3 feet
Blooms: July, August, September
Root: Fibrous, Rhizomatous
Habitat: Prairies, Savannas, Open woodlands, Woodland borders, Sandy Shores, Dunes, Limestone glades, Wetland or river edges
Landscape uses: Meadow planting, Naturalization, Drought Tolerant, Salt Tolerant
Complimentary Plants: Smooth Aster, Stiff Goldenrod, Purple Coneflower
Wildlife Value: Several insects feed on this prairie grass. Birds feed on the seeds. Host Plant: Tawny-edge Skipper, Delaware Skipper, Leonard's Skipper, Indian Skipper, Hobomok Skipper, Northern Broken-Dash Skipper
Seed Origin: Winona, MN (Prairie Moon seed supplier)
Germination Code: A
Photo credits: #1 by David J. Stang, #2 by David J. Stang, #3 by David J. Stang, #4 David J. Stang, #5 David J. Stang
Panicum virgatum- Switch Grass
Switch Grass is a dominant plant in our tallgrass prairie ecosystems. It is a warm season grass and grows in the summer, putting out a purple spray seed head that dries to golden in fall. This plant stands tall and provides winter interest as it holds up to heavy snow fall.