Young Clump of ‘Northwind’ Switchgrass

Northwind switchgrass (Panicum virgatum ‘Northwind’) is a medium sized 5 to 6 feet tall ornamental grass. This tall native prairie grass grows best in full sunlight for most of the day. Its tight narrow posture seems to fall apart in shade. There are many good switchgrass varieties. Northwind makes a strong vertical presence, perhaps the best of the lot.

Northwind grows tall and narrow, with steely blue foliage and a lacy inflorescence. Beginning in mid-summer the soft pinkish white inflorescence rises 1-2 feet above the foliage (USDA hardiness zones 5). By early autumn floral heads fade to a silvery gray tint and look great in floral arrangements. The narrow grass blades turn many shades of yellow in autumn.

Switchgrass prefers a moist fertile ground, but adapts to most soil types, and either wet or dry conditions. This tough prairie inhabitant is heat and drought tolerant and is disease or pest resistant. Vigorous overcrowded crowns should be divided every 4-5 years, which is no easy task. Overwintering clumps stand rigid like sentinels and provide shelter for birds and other wildlife.

Take advantage of its natural form and foliage color in residential and commercial properties. Northwind is attractive alone or mixed with other plants in containers, massed along a stream bank, or set on steep slopes or reclamation lands. Switch grass is utilized in dune stabilization along coastal beaches and tolerates high winds and salt spray. Incorporate switchgrass in highway median strips; the dense upright vegetation effectively blinds headlights from opposing traffic.