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Poaceae
Panicum virgatum 'Rehbraun'
Switchgrass
This medium-sized switchgrass offers red-hued flower panicles in summer and turns shades of bronzy red-brown in fall. The highly adaptable and ornamental switchgrass offers interest throughout most of the growing season. This very hardy perennial bunchgrass is native to the fields and prairies of the United States and Canada. It has a tall upright habit and is popular for native gardens with a soft and natural feel.
The blades of switchgrass are long, narrow, densely packed and upright. It forms neat clumps that spread over time and become quite bushy. Large airy floral plumes appear from midsummer to mid-autumn and give plants a soft, cloud-like appearance. In winter, the foliage turns a soft tan color and the plants may be left uncut to provide interest and seed to wildlife.
Switchgrass prefers a site with full sun and soil with even moisture and adequate drainage. It is a tough plant that will withstand a wide range of soil types from sandy to clay-rich. It also exhibits reasonable drought resistance once established. Its dry foliage should be cut back in the spring just before the fresh blades begin to peek up from the soil line. It may self sow, but not aggressively. This big bold grass looks especially lovely when planted in sweeps among colorful composites and other tall bright perennials.
9 - 1
5 - 9
1a, 1b, 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23
Grass
Full Sun, Partial Sun
3'-4' / 0.9m - 1.2m
2'-3' / 0.6m - 0.9m
Early Summer, Summer, Late Summer
North America, Canada, Mexico
Acidic, Neutral, Alkaline
Average
Clay, Loam, Sand
Pollution, Soil Compaction
Fast
Drought Tolerant, Average Water
Upright/Erect
Fall, Winter
Showy
Yellow, Red, Tan
Tan, Sandy Brown
Green, Light Green
Green
Gray Green, Sandy Brown, Dark Red, Bronze
No
Single
Yes
Fine
Matte
Feature Plant, Foundation, Mixed Border
Birds
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