This is a native plant, but it is not available in the 2026 Wild Ones plant sale.
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Switch Grass
Panicum virgatum
GrassSwitch Grass
Panicum virgatum
Tap to flip backGrowing Conditions
Light
Full Sun
Water
Medium
Soil
Any
Size
3-6'
Bloom
Pink to Red, Jul–Sep
Why Grow It
Wildlife Food
Berries & seeds feed birds and wildlife
Erosion Control
Deep roots stabilize slopes & banks
Fall Color
Showy autumn foliage adds seasonal color
Caterpillar Host
Feeds caterpillars of native moths & butterflies
Did You Know?
Switchgrass is a host plant for multiple skipper butterflies including the Dotted Skipper, Delaware Skipper, and Hobomok Skipper.
It provides critical nesting habitat for ground-nesting birds like meadowlarks, sedge wrens, and red-winged blackbirds.
As one of the dominant species of the tallgrass prairie, a single plant's roots can reach 10 feet deep into the soil.
Wildlife Value
🐦
Sparrows & Juncos
Seeds provide critical winter food for ground-feeding birds
🦋
Skipper Butterflies
Several species use switchgrass as larval host plant
🦌
Small Mammals
Dense clumps provide nesting cover for voles and rabbits
Good Companions
💛 Black-eyed Susan
🌸 Wild Bergamot
💜 New England Aster
🌿 Prairie Blazing Star
Planting Guide
- Sow seed in spring at soil surface; firm soil for contact.
- Plant in full sun; tolerates wide range of soils and moisture.
- Cut back to 6 inches in late winter before new growth emerges.
Plant Details
Made with ♥ by Lu Li