When should I cut it back?

Cut the foliage down to about 15 centimeters in late winter or early spring before new growth starts.

Does it need fertilizer?

No, it is adapted to poor soils and typically does not require supplemental feeding.

Plant guide

Switchgrass.

Panicum virgatum

Pronounced PAN-ih-kum ver-GAY-tum

Also known as Blackwell Switch Grass, Old Switch Panic Grass, Switch Grass, Switchgrass, old switch panicgrass, wand panicgrass

Switchgrass is a sturdy, North American prairie native that brings wonderful texture to any garden. It is a clump forming perennial grass that stands tall through the winter months. You will love how it adds movement and height to your landscape.

At a glance

Care level: Easy
Plant type: Perennial grass
Light: Full sun
Indoor light: Direct sun
Water: Every 7 to 14 days
Mature size: 3 to 6 feet
Growth rate: Fast
Hardiness: USDA 3 to 9
Bloom time: Late summer to early autumn

Care

Plant this grass in a spot that gets plenty of sun to keep it from flopping over. Watch for signs of overcrowding, and trim it back once a year to keep it looking fresh. It is very adaptable to different soil types as long as it gets enough light.

Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist until established, then it becomes quite drought tolerant.
Feeding: A light application of balanced fertilizer in early spring is plenty.
Pruning: Cut the foliage back to a few inches above the ground in late winter or early spring.
Repotting: Divide the clumps every few years if the center starts to die out.
Soil: Well draining loam or clay
Soil pH: 5.0 to 7.5
Temperature: -30 to 35°C
Humidity: 30 to 70%
Drought tolerance: High
Lifespan: Perennial, typically 10 plus years
Deer and rabbits: High

Signs it needs repotting

Roots growing out of the drainage holes
Water running straight through the pot
Stunted growth

Safety

People: There are no known toxic effects to humans.
Children: The sharp leaf blades can cause paper-like cuts on children's skin.
Contact allergens: The leaf edges can be sharp and may cause minor skin abrasions.
Airborne allergens: The pollen can trigger seasonal allergies in sensitive individuals.
Edibility: This grass is not intended for human consumption.

How to identify it

Tall upright clump forming habit
Fine textured blue green foliage
Airy cloud like flower panicles
Golden yellow fall foliage color

Height: 0.9 to 2.4m
Spread: 0.6 to 0.9m
Leaves: green, blue-green, red-tinged, deciduous
Flowers: pink, copper, purple, 15 to 45cm
Fruit: tan, brown, Autumn

Common problems

Rust — Fungal spots appear on leaves during humid weather.

Growing it

Propagation: division, seed
When to plant: spring, autumn
Overwintering: Leave the dried foliage standing through winter to provide interest and shelter for insects. Cut back to the ground in early spring.
In containers: It can grow in large containers, but it prefers being in the ground to accommodate its extensive root system.

Division

1. Dig up the clump in early spring.
2. Use a sharp spade to divide the root ball into smaller sections.
3. Replant the sections immediately at the same depth.

Plant in groups of three or more to create a naturalistic meadow effect.

Grows well with

Purple Coneflower — They share similar moisture needs and provide a nice color contrast.
Black-eyed Susan — This pairing creates a classic prairie aesthetic.
Blazing Star — The vertical spikes of Liatris complement the airy plumes of the grass.

Similar species

Big Bluestem — Another tall native prairie grass with a similar growth habit.

Science

Family: Poaceae
Genus: Panicum
Order: Poales
Class: Liliopsida
Native range: Central and North America
Conservation: It is a common native species and not of conservation concern.

It thrives in open prairies and meadows where its deep root system allows it to withstand drought and fire.

Value to wildlife: larval host plant, nesting material, winter food source
Pollinators: bees, butterflies
Uses: ornamental grass, erosion control, prairie restoration, wildlife habitat

Through the year

JFMAMJJASOND

Flowering

Fruiting

Foliage

Ecological indicators

Salinity: 2/9
Soil reaction: 5/9
Light: 8/9
Temperature: 5/9
Moisture: 4/9
Nutrients: 3/9

Taxonomy resolved against GBIF.

Questions people ask

When should I cut it back?: Cut the foliage down to about 15 centimeters in late winter or early spring before new growth starts.
Does it need fertilizer?: No, it is adapted to poor soils and typically does not require supplemental feeding.

Where the name comes from

The name Panicum comes from the Latin word for millet, while virgatum means wand-like in reference to its upright habit.

Good to know

It is a warm-season grass that grows most vigorously in the heat of summer.
The roots can grow as deep as the plant is tall.
It turns a beautiful golden color in the winter.
Switchgrass is being studied as a potential biofuel source.

Also in

Is your switchgrass looking unwell?

This page is a general guide. Pocket Botanist diagnoses problems from a photo of your actual plant, works out watering for your light and conditions, and reminds you when care is due.

Get the app

This guide was generated with AI and checked against GBIF taxonomy. It is general information, not horticultural or veterinary advice. Read about how we build these guides.