Panicum virgatum ‘Northwind’

Product Info

Northwind Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum ‘Northwind’)
Grass Family

Northwind is known for its sturdy, upright, vase-like habit as compared to other switchgrass cultivars that can be more arching and loose. Its foliage is a deep blue- green that is topped by light colored flowers in late summer. Foliage turns a rich golden brown in the fall and remains attractive until it’s time to cut it back in late winter. Full sun is best, but will tolerate some afternoon shade. Like most switchgrasses, it is very drought tolerant once established, but can also handle occasional wet periods. Northwind looks great as an accent plant, but even better when planted in small groups or as a background plant.

Blooms: Bronze, 6-8 weeks, July-October
Leaves: Blue-green, upright, lanceolate
Height: 4.5-5.5’
Space: 2-3’
Soil: Dry-Moist
Exposure: Full sun
Fauna: Seeds for birds, habitat for small insects and animals
Seeds: Purple tinged spikelets ripen to coppery brown over winter
Deer Resistance: High
Zone: 5-9
Native Status: (parent species) NC native, common in the coastal plain, uncommon in the Piedmont and Mountains
Provenance: Unknown, asexually propagated