Switchgrass is native throughout North America and is a dominant species of the tallgrass prairies. It doesn’t mind most soils and actually grows well in wet and dry locations. Full sun is the best exposure for switchgrass, but it will grow in part shade; too much shade or rich soils may result in floppy plants. Switchgrass is a warm-season perennial, growing largely as a bunchgrass 3 to 6 feet tall, but may spread by rhizomes or self-seeding. Switchgrass has an upright, stiff form overall. Flower panicles are open, lacy sprays, with a purplish tint that persist into the winter. Leaf color is generally medium green turning yellow, sometimes with orange tints, in fall; however, several cultivars exist – ‘Heavy Metal’, has metallic-blue foliage, ‘Northwind’ is bluish-green, ‘Shenandoah’ has foliage with dark purple tips, and ‘Cheyenne Sky’ turns wine red. Winter color is tan to beige. Once established, switchgrass is very drought tolerant. It is grown as an accent, in groups or masses and can be effective as a screen. It also works well in native plant gardens, wild gardens, meadows, naturalized areas, as well as rain, water, and bog gardens.

Exposure: Sun, part shade
Soil: Tolerates about any soil
Hardiness: USDA Zone 5-9