Skip to content
Log inStart trial

Switch Grass

Panicum Virgatum

Design with this plant

Overview

Panicum virgatum, or Switch Grass, is a robust perennial native to North American prairies. It features deep roots, reaching 5-6 ft tall with a 2-3 ft spread. Its upright clumps of fine-textured, blue-green foliage turn golden in fall. Delicate pink-tinged flower panicles appear in summer, adding airy movement. Drought-resistant and low-maintenance, it thrives in USDA zones 4-9, ideal for mass plantings and erosion control.

Sun FullWater HighZones 5–9Type Grass, PerennialClimate Temperate
Switch Grass (Panicum Virgatum) — Panicum virgatum, or Switch Grass, is a robust perennial native to North American prairies
Switch Grass (Panicum Virgatum) — providing upright structural interest in garden compositions.<br><br>Characterized by its stiffSwitch Grass (Panicum Virgatum) — native North American prairie grass that is an adaptable and low-maintenance addition to any landscape designSwitch Grass (Panicum Virgatum) — Its fine-textured leaves transition to golden-yellow in the fall, offering a display of warm seasonal colorsSwitch Grass (Panicum Virgatum) — providing visual interest as well as food for birds.<br><br>Switch Grass is highly adaptableSwitch Grass (Panicum Virgatum) — With an extensive root systemSwitch Grass (Panicum Virgatum) — Switch Grass (Panicum virgatum) is a perennial+39

Culture

Sun
Full
Water
High
USDA zones
5–9

Shape & size

Classification

Type
Grass, Perennial
Family
Poaceae
Climate
Temperate

See full data, regional cultivation notes, and design tools. Build a client presentation around this plant.

Start your 14-day trial

Photos (46)

Switch Grass (Panicum Virgatum) — Panicum virgatum, or Switch Grass, is a robust perennial native to North American prairies
Switch Grass (Panicum Virgatum) — providing upright structural interest in garden compositions.<br><br>Characterized by its stiff
Switch Grass (Panicum Virgatum) — native North American prairie grass that is an adaptable and low-maintenance addition to any landscape design
Switch Grass (Panicum Virgatum) — Its fine-textured leaves transition to golden-yellow in the fall, offering a display of warm seasonal colors
Switch Grass (Panicum Virgatum) — providing visual interest as well as food for birds.<br><br>Switch Grass is highly adaptable
Switch Grass (Panicum Virgatum) — With an extensive root system
Switch Grass (Panicum Virgatum) — Switch Grass (Panicum virgatum) is a perennial
Switch Grass (Panicum Virgatum) — this grass typically reaches heights of 3 to 6 feet with a spread of 2 to 3 feet
Switch Grass (Panicum Virgatum) — Delicate pink-tinged flower panicles appear in summer, adding airy movement
Switch Grass (Panicum Virgatum) — Drought-resistant and low-maintenance
Switch Grass (Panicum Virgatum) — including serving as a habitat for wildlife and requiring minimal care
Switch Grass (Panicum Virgatum) — ideal for mass plantings and erosion control
Switch Grass (Panicum Virgatum) — it thrives in USDA zones 4-9
Switch Grass (Panicum Virgatum) — Switch Grass showcases blue-green to green foliage
Switch Grass (Panicum Virgatum) — thriving in a wide range of soil types
Switch Grass (Panicum Virgatum) — which can add a hint of pink
Switch Grass (Panicum Virgatum) — make it an excellent choice for sustainable and eco-friendly gardening
Switch Grass (Panicum Virgatum) — held high above the foliage
Switch Grass (Panicum Virgatum) — It prefers full sun but will tolerate some light shade
Switch Grass (Panicum Virgatum) — It features deep roots, reaching 5-6 ft tall with a 2-3 ft spread
Switch Grass (Panicum Virgatum) — Its upright clumps of fine-textured, blue-green foliage turn golden in fall
Switch Grass (Panicum Virgatum) — These seed heads may persist into winter
Switch Grass (Panicum Virgatum) — Growing effectively in USDA hardiness zones 4 through 9
Switch Grass (Panicum Virgatum) — airy panicles of tiny flowers appear
Photographs by 6 contributors

Related plants

Adagio Eulalia Grass (Miscanthus Sinensis 'Adagio') — Adagio Eulalia Grass (Miscanthus sinensis 'Adagio') is a compact ornamental grass reaching 3 to 4 feet

Grass

Adagio Eulalia Grass

Miscanthus Sinensis 'Adagio'

FullUSDA 4–9
Alkali Sacaton (Sporobolus Airoides) — It flourishes in arid zones, reaching 3 feet in height with an equal spread

Grass

Alkali Sacaton

Sporobolus Airoides

FullUSDA 6–10
Alphonse Karr Bamboo (Bambusa Multiplex 'Alphonse Karr') — is a visually striking clumping bamboo; making it an excellent choice for residential gardens

Bamboo

Alphonse Karr Bamboo

Bambusa Multiplex 'Alphonse Karr'

FullUSDA 9–10
Amur Or Silver Banner Grass (Miscanthus Sacchariflorus) — textural contrast to the landscape

Grass

Amur Or Silver Banner Grass

Miscanthus Sacchariflorus

FullUSDA 5–9
'Apache Rose' Switch Grass (Panicum virgatum) — Proven Winners - Prairie Winds® 'Apache Rose' - Switch Grass - Panicum virgatum pink tan rose plant details

'Apache Rose' Switch Grass

Panicum virgatum

Full
Atlas Fescue (Festuca mairei) — This low-maintenance perennial thrives in full sun to partial shade and adapts well to dry conditions

Grass

Atlas Fescue

Festuca mairei

FullUSDA 4–9