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Fothergilla gardenii Witch Alder
Fothergilla gardenii (Witch Alder). Photo © Mary Free
You are here: Home / Plants / Tried and True Native Plant Selections for the Mid-Atlantic / Grasses & Sedges / Panicum virgatum (Switchgrass)

Panicum virgatum (Switchgrass)

Panicum virgatum (Switch Grass) Photo by Robert M. Kline, 2016-04-20, private garden, Arlington, Virginia.
Panicum virgatum (Switch Grass) in July. Photo by Elaine L. Mills, 2017-07-11, Rockville, Maryland.
Panicum virgatum (Switch Grass) in landscape. Photo by Elaine L. Mills, 2017-08-01, Rockville, Maryland.
Panicum virgatum, Switch Grass in September
Panicum virgatum (switchgrass) as part of a riparian buffer
Panicum virgatum (Switch Grass) in November landscape. Photo by Elaine L. Mills, 2014-11-25, Penrose Square, Arlington, Virginia.

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Once the dominant species of the North American tallgrass prairie, this native* warm-season grass is noted for the open, airy appearance of its seed heads and the multi-season interest of its foliage. Many ornamental cultivars are available. Tried and True Native Plant Selections for the Mid-Atlantic Grass Flowers, Plant in Summer, En Masse in Fall Height: 3–6 feet Spread: 2–3 feet Bloom color: Pink-tinged Characteristics Stiff, vase-shaped, clumping, warm season, perennial grass with deep, fibrous roots Arching green leaves turn yellow in fall and tan in winter Pink-tinged airy flower panicles above foliage from July to February Can form colonies through rhizome spread and self-seeding Attributes Tolerates drought, pollution, and Black Walnut No serious pests or diseases; deer rarely damage Winter interest Controls erosion and stabilizes soil through root system reaching depth of 10 feet Food source and cover for birds; larval host for skippers and satyrs Growing and Maintenance Tips Soil Requirements: Average, well-drained Light Requirements: Sun, Partial Shade Water Requirements: Moist Grows best in full sun. Avoid excess shade, fertilizers, or abundant water. Excellent Replacement for Miscanthus sinensis - Chinese Silver Grass Cut back to 8 inches in late winter or early spring Use as accent plant, screen, or mass planting in borders, meadows, water-wise, or rain gardens *It is native to DC. In DE, it is common in the coastal plain. In PA, it is found in scattered counties with concentrations along the Delaware River. In VA, many herbarium species are only partially mapped. Current mapping shows this species is found throughout VA except for its south central and southwestern counties. Hardiness: USDA Zones 3–9 developed by Master Gardeners of Northern Virginia, serving Arlington and Alexandria Images by Elaine Mills, Arlington, VA and Rockville, MD

Tried and True Native Plant Selections
for the Mid-Atlantic

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Panicum virgatum (Switchgrass)

Once the dominant species of the North American tallgrass prairie, this native* warm-season grass is noted for the open, airy appearance of its seed heads and the multi-season interest of its foliage. Many ornamental cultivars are available.

*It is native to DC. In DE, it is common in the coastal plain. In PA, it is found in scattered counties with concentrations along the Delaware River. In VA, many herbarium species are only partially mapped. Current mapping shows this species is found throughout VA except for its south central and southwestern counties.

Learn more about other Mid-Atlantic plants: 
Tried and True Native Plant Fact Sheets