Description

Panicum virgatum has open, lacy sprays of pink seed heads and blue-green foliage that turns yellow in fall. The grass sways delicately in the wind and adds a graceful movement to the garden, as well as contributing to wildlife.

P. virgatum is a warm season bunch grass that spreads via rhizomes, and may self-seed in optimum growing conditions. Prefers moist sunny sites. May flop over in too much shade or with overly rich soils. Tolerates flooding and therefore would be a good choice for rain gardens.

Panicum virgatum was one of the dominant grasses of the tallgrass prairie which once covered large parts of the Midwest. An extensive root system makes this a good grass for erosion control.

Native grasses provide cover and food for songbirds, nesting material/structure for native bees, and are larval host plants. I would encourage you to leave bunch grasses standing over winter to provide wildlife habitat, and cut back (if desired) in early spring.

Height: 3-6 ft.
Spread: 2-3 ft.
Family: Poaceae
Sun: full sun to part shade
Bloom time: July to February
Water: medium to wet
Deer resistant