Virginia ecotype - Henrico County
- Duration: Perennial, warm season bunchgrass
- Habit: Clumping, upright
- Size: 3 - 10 ft. high (usually half)
- Habitat: Prairies, wet fields, stream banks
- Moisture: Dry to moist, poorly draining or well draining
- Light: Full sun, part sun
- Soils: Clay, sandy, gravely
- Uses: upright foliage interest, meadows, stream banks and water's edge, rain gardens
Panicum virgatum (Switchgrass)
Switchgrass is one of the dominant species of the tallgrass prairie that once covered much of the states. Known for its dense vertical structure, panicles of wind-pollinated flowers in summer are followed by attractive seed heads that persist well into frost. Essential larval host for lepidoptera such as skippers and satyrs. Birds such as cardinals and mourning doves consume the small seeds.
Switchgrass is highly versatile, from dry sites to moist and boggy areas, used as a screen or a tall accent. It tolerates both well drained and poorly drained sites, overall preferring sandy or clay soil.
Leaves will turn golden shades in the fall and stems persist throughout winter, providing safety for overwintering insects and cover for birds.Switchgrass has a high flammability rating in autumn and winter when plants are dormant, and should not be planted close to structures.