Panicum virgatum 'Rotstrahlbusch' - Switchgrass cultivar

Sizes available: Two gallon

Basics: zones 5-9, 48-60" x 24-36", full sun, the tiny blooms create a warm-tinged haze over the leaves in mid to late summer. The blades emerge a silvery-green and turn quite red in the fall, senescing to tan for the winter. Tolerant and adaptable.

Common names: This is a Switchgrass cultivar.

Family: Poaceae

Origin/Distribution: The species is a classic, dominant component of the Tall Grass Prairie and is widely distributed across North America. It is found on remnant prairies, pastures, and roadsides, and is native to Maine.

Habitat: The species is found on stream banks, in open woods, and on both moist and dry grasslands. 

More: This is a warm season grass, which means it is slow to awaken in spring and does its most active growing during the warm summer months. Ground-feeding songbirds and game birds will eat the seeds as will small mammals. Grasses are excellent cover for numerous species in both summer and winter. The dried stalks are beautiful in the later seasons. Grasses add sound, movement, and texture to the garden. Cut back warm season grasses in the early spring prior to new growth.

Source: Van Berkum Nursery

Image credits: Van Berkum Nursery