Switchgrass is a warm-season native bunchgrass with a vertical, upright habit. Its attractive, fine-textured seed heads add a light and airy feel later in the season. It supports larval forms of several pollinator species, rather than serving as a direct source of nectar or pollen for adults.
Pollinator Type
Caterpillars
Plant Type
Perennial grass
Zone
5 to 9
Height
3 to 6 ft.
Spread
2 to 3 ft.
Light
Partial Shade, Full Sun
Moisture Requirement
Medium Soil
Bloom Color
Green
Bloom Time
July, August
Design Considerations
Does well in a wide varity of soil conditions in full sun but too much shade may cause this plant to loose its upright habit. Tolerates occasional flooding and drought.
Care and Maintenance
Mostly clump-forming but may spread slowly by rhizomes. Can be an aggressive self-seeder, clipping seedheads can help limit spread. Excellent winter interest from upright stems, delay cutting back until late spring when all stems may be cut to ground level or left between 8 to 24 inches to serve as an insect nesting site.
Pest and Diseases
No major issues.
Establishment and Propagation
Plant as a plug or start from seed, no pretreatment needed.
Commercial Availability
Commonly available.
Alternative Plant Selections
Purpletop, Indiangrass
Native Status
Illinois native statewide.
Fall Color
Foliage can turn yellow to reddish
Growth habit
Tall bunchgrass with upright habit
Number of Caterpillars that Use this as a Host Plant
