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PLANT BASE
Panicum virgatum
Switchgrass
Height
Spread
Growth
habit
​
5-9
3-6'
2-3'
Form Lifecycle Hardiness zone*
Upright, clumping
Flower
Perennial
Wand Panic Grass
APPEARANCE
Bloom time
Bloom color
​
July-February
Violet/ pinkish
Winter attractive foliage
USE FOR
Seasonal interest
ENVIRONMENT
Terminal clusters
Light
​
Water
Soil
Soil pH
Clay, Loam, Sand
Adaptable
Soil Preference
Adaptable to most soils
ENVIRONMENTAL TOLERANCE
Salt, Flooding, Drought, Clay soil, Black walnut, Erosion, Wet soil, Air pollution
HABITAT & NATIVE RANGE
Dry to moist prairies, open woods, rocky bluffs, stream banks, sand dunes
Almost all of the US except California, Oregon, and Washington
BROWSE TOLERANCE
Salt, Flooding, Drought, Clay soil, Black walnut, Erosion, Wet soil, Air pollution
Tolerance to browse by animals typically happens once plants are established. Young plants may still be quite susceptible.
SUGGESTED MAINTENANCE & COMMON PROBLEMS
Divide every 2-3 years, don't add thick mulch as will cause rot
COMPANION PLANTS
Common sneezeweed,Summer phlox,Brown eyed susan,New York ironweed,Obedient plant,New York aster
COMPANION TREES & SHRUBS
NOTES
Dominant grass in tall grass prairies, provide cover for wildlife in winter
For more information, check out these fantastic sources!
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