Panicum virgatum - panic grass

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Native Wetland Plants

Panicum virgatum

Switchgrass

More About Switchgrass

Panicum virgatum, Panic grass, is a colonizing perennial grass that grows in large clumps 3-6' tall with sturdy, flat, glossy leaf blades. When used in prairies and bottomland sites, Panic grass develops long rhizomes that grow horizontally to interlace and form a thick, dense sod used for revegetation, restoration, and erosion control projects. Panic grass tolerates partial shade and is found in a range of moisture levels from dry, to mesic, to moist wet habitats. Panicum virgatum will handle spring flooding but not that of a persistent high water table. Provides thatch for ground nesting birds and is a great fall food source.

Bloom Color

Yellow

Panicum virgatum Characteristics & Attributes

Exposure
Sun
Partial Shade
Mature Height
> 4'
Spread Characteristics
Clumping
Prolific Seeder
Rhizomatous - Slow
Season of Interest (Flowering)
Summer
Fall
Season of Interest (Foliage)
Summer
Fall
Pond Zonation
Flood Plain - Upland
High Marsh - Saturated Soil
Foliage Color
Blue
Burgundy
Green
Red
Silver
Wildlife Benefits
Cover
Food
Nesting
Songbirds
Waterfowl
Critter Resistance
Deer Resistant
Goose Resistant
Wetland Indicator Status
FAC
FACW
Plant Type
Warm Season Grass
Attributes
Bio Remediation
Container
Cut Flower
Drought Tolerant
Erosion Control
Fibrous Roots
Focal Point
Great Foliage
Mass Planting
Native
Naturalizing
Rain Garden
Salt Tolerant
Specimen
Storm Water Basin
Winter Persistant
USDA Hardiness Zone
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9