Panicum virgatum 'Shenandoah'

42.14277267, -87.78530884

42.14477921, -87.78907013

42.14481354, -87.78910828

42.14484024, -87.78905487

42.14485168, -87.78910065

42.14486694, -87.7889328

42.14488602, -87.7890625

42.14489365, -87.78912354

42.14492798, -87.78912354

42.14497757, -87.78910065

42.14506912, -87.78871155

Switch Grass

Switch grass was an important part of the tall grass prairie providing an important food source and winter shelter for a range of insects, small mammals and birds, even bison. Shenandoah switch grass is an upright grass of about four feet in height and three feet in width. Spring foliage is a bluish-green which develops maroon and purple streaks by summer and burgundy by fall. The purple seed heads appear in late summer though to fall. Like most switch grasses, Shenandoah is extremely versatile and can cope with a range of soil types from sandy to clay and shade conditions although it prefers full sun. Because of its versatility it can be used in a range of conditions such as rain gardens, stabilization of eroding banks, and black walnut. Since Shenandoah is mostly grown for its ornamental value, it is generally retained for its autumn and winter interest. Cut back the foliage to near ground level in late winter. In a trial conducted at the Chicago Botanic garden Shenandoah was rated as a fair performer in local growing conditions.

Soil:
Moderate
Plant Shape:
Upright
Exposure:
Full Sun
Partial Shade
Bloom Time:
July - August
September - October
Bloom Color:
Purple
Landscape Use:
Screen/Hedge
Bedding or Border
Specimen Plant
Wildlife Interest:
Attracts Birds
Resistant To Deer
Plant Type:
Perennial
Hardiness Zone:
5 - 9