| Common Name: |
Northwind Switchgrass |
| Scientific Name: |
Panicum virgatum 'Northwind' |
| Other Name(s): |
Aka Upright Switch Grass, Wand Panic Grass |
| Category: |
Grass |
| Habit: |
Perennial |
| Form: |
Clump-forming |
| Bloom Color: |
Pink-tinged |
| Bloom Size: |
Branched flower panicles which hover over the foliage like an airy cloud |
| Bloom Shape: |
Finely-textured |
| Bloom Season: |
Mid-summer |
| Fruit Description: |
Panicles turn beige as the seeds mature in fall with the seed plumes persisting well into winter. Seeds are a food source for birds in winter |
| Foliage Description: |
Medium green leaves which turn yellow (sometimes with orange tints) in autumn, fading to tan-beige in winter |
| Height of Plant: |
4-6 ft. |
| Spread of Plant: |
2-2 1/2 ft. |
| Hardiness: |
USDA Zones 5 - 9 |
| Light Requirements: |
Full sun to part shade |
| Water Usage: |
Medium to wet |
| Moisture Requirement(s): |
Tolerates a wide range of soils, including dry ones, but prefers moist, sandy or clay soils |
| Maintenance: |
Low |
| Other Information: |
Drought tolerant once established |
| Photographer: |
Susan Brown |
| Location: |
Zorro Garden |