Switchgrass

Panicum virgatum

Need Help? View our legend

Type

Trees, Shrubs, & Vines

Forbs & Flowers

Grasses, Sedges, & Rushes

Conditions

Sun

Shade

Wet

Dry

Land Use

Obligate Wetland Plant almost always occurs in wetlands.

Facultative Wetland Usually occurs in wetlands but may occur in non-wetlands.

Facultative Plant occurs both in wetlands and in non-wetlands.

Facultative Upland Usually occurs in wetlands but may occur in non-wetlands.

Obligate Upland Plant almost always occurs in non-wetlands.

Bright green leaves occur up and down the stem with purple seed heads. Foliage turns bright yellow in fall. May form sizable colonies. One of the dominant tallgrass prairie species. Cut back dormant plant material in early spring. Attracts butterflies and birds. Food source for caterpillars.

View All Plants

Details

Plant Type

Grasses, Sedges, and Rushes

Conditions

Sun

Wet

Dry

Native to Kentucky?

Native to Kentucky

Land Use

Facultative Occurs both in wetlands and in non-wetlands.

Project Uses

Bioswale / Rain Garden / Green Dry Basin

Riparian Restoration

Urban / Tree Box

Tendency to Spread

Medium

Height (ft)

4-5

Flower Color

Yellow

Fall Showy?

Flowering Time

July-Aug

Salinity Tolerance

High Tolerance