Panicum virgatum

Common Name
Switch grass
Switchgrass
Plant Form
Grasses, Sedges & Rushes
Duration
Perennial
Max Height (ft)
5.0
Region
Coastal
Piedmont
Mountain

Photographer: Deborah Barber
Licensed under: CC BY-NC 4.0
Original photo: Original photo

Photographer: nickmaryanne
Licensed under: CC BY-NC 4.0
Original photo: Original photo

Additional Info

Habitat: fresh and brackish tidal and nontidal marshes, wet meadows, open woods, prairies, dunes. Infrequent to locally common in the coastal Plain; infrequent in the piedmont and mountains.

Wildlife value: Food for sparrow species

Notes: Grows in clumps. You may cut back in early spring but not too low.

Bloom Time
Spring
Early Summer
Late Summer
Fall
Light Requirements
Full sun
Partial sun
Shade
Moisture Requirements
Wet
Moist
Dry
Bona Terra Nursery

Small family-run native plant nursery with a focus on the local genetics necessary to restore diversity in the Chesapeake eco-region. Offers free remote design service for small gardens up to 400 square feet. Orders are placed via email and items can be picked up at their NW DC office or delivered for a fee. This plant list is from the beginning of the 2025 season and may be out-of-date

Pots Available Pot Size Notes Add to Wishlist
14 1 Gallon

Local Ecotype plugs coming soon!

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4 2 Gallon

Local Ecotype plugs coming soon!

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