Panicum virgatum (Switchgrass) Unity Grown

Panicum virgatum, commonly known as switchgrass, is a large, perennial grass found in the wild in prairies, open woods, and stream banks. Switchgrass typically grows from three to six feet tall, but can reach colossal sizes of up to 10 feet! Noted for its clump-forming, columnar growth behavior, Panicum virgatum produces finely textured panicles of pink flowers in mid-summer, which turn to beige tufts of seed by the fall; seeds are beneficial to all sorts of birds and small mammals, and grass blades serve as food and host to a variety of important moths and butterflies, including the Delaware Skipper (Anatrytone logan) and Leonard's Skipper (Hesperia leonardus), both of which are endangered in Maryland.

Compact footprint and upright structure makes switchgrass an excellent accent piece in the landscape, and will work beautifully in meadows, small beds, and even containers. Bright yellow foliage in the fall and a persistent nature means that Panicum virgatum maintains its aesthetic appeal through fall and winter as well! This switchgrass is also incredibly hardy versatile in the landscape, and tolerates drought, poor drainage, and salinity.