GRASS: Panicum virgatum (Switchgrass)

Tried and True Native Plant Selections for the Mid-Atlantic

Panicum virgatum (Switch Grass) Photo by Robert M. Kline, 2016-04-20, private garden, Arlington, Virginia.

Panicum virgatum (Switch Grass) in April.
Photo © Robert M. Kline

Panicum virgatum (Switch Grass) in July. Photo by Elaine L. Mills, 2017-07-11, Rockville, Maryland.

Panicum virgatum (Switch Grass) in a rain garden in July.
Photo © Elaine L. Mills

Panicum virgatum (Switch Grass) in landscape. Photo by Elaine L. Mills, 2017-08-01, Rockville, Maryland.

Panicum virgatum (Switch Grass) in August landscape.
Photo © Elaine L. Mills

Panicum virgatum (Switch Grass) in rain garden in October. Photo by Elaine L. Mills, 2017-10-03, Rockville, Maryland.

Panicum virgatum (Switch Grass) in November landscape. Photo by Elaine L. Mills, 2014-11-25, Penrose Square, Arlington, Virginia.

Once the dominant species of the North American tallgrass prairie, this warm-season grass is noted for the open, airy appearance of its seed heads and the multi-season interest of its foliage. In addition to its use as an ornamental, Switchgrass is also utilized for soil conservation and as a biomass crop. Learn more . . .