Panicum virgatum 'Northwind' 'Northwind' Switchgrass from American Beauties

Panicum virgatum 'Northwind'

'Northwind' Switchgrass

'Northwind' is a tall, clump-forming warm season grass with steel blue foliage. The wide, thick leaf blades and great upright form make this cultivar a real standout in the garden. Fine textured yellow flowers float over the foliage in summer. This bunch grass provides excellent cover and food for ducks, upland game birds, songbirds and small mammals.

Benefits:

Provides nest sites, protective cover and food for birds

Stands erect all growing season exhibiting beautiful blue foliage

Upright, wind-resistant form offers great winter interest

Use flowers in fresh or dried arrangements

Tolerates a wide range of growing conditions, including poor or wet soils

Homeowner Growing and Maintenance Tips

Easy to grow in full sun to light shade.

Tolerates wide range of soils, including dry ones, but prefers moist, sandy or clay soils.

Leave foliage in place for winter interest and to provide homes for over-wintering critters. Cut back to the ground in late winter before new growth begins.

Height
6 Feet

Spread
2-3 Feet

Native Range
Woodlands edge, breaks, fields, marshes, prairies and roadsides; Nova Scotia to Manitoba south to New Mexico and Florida.

Native Trivia
Clumping grasses like this are also known as bunch grasses. Use these grasses en masse to provide ideal wildlife habitat. This kind of layout provides protective cover, quality nesting areas and open travel lanes.

USDA Hardiness Zone 2-9

"In winter, when food and cover are scarce, switchgrass is a provider of both for birds like me."

Characteristics & Attributes

Plan Sub Group

•	Medium to Tall Grasses

Exposure

•	Filtered Shade
•	Sun

Soil

•	Wide soil tolerance

Soil Moisture Preference

•	Moist
•	Average

Attracts Wildlife

•	Songbirds
•	Mammals

Bloom Time

•

Summer

Habitat Collection

•	Songbird
•	Wet Sun

Foliage Color

•

Blue

Uses

•	Cut or dried flower
•	Wind tolerant