Known to be toxic - Toxic to mammals if ingested.
Source: Donna Bos
Panicum virgatum
Switch Grass
Panic raide
Obsolete Names
switchgrass
wand panicgrass
panic dressé
No seeds available for this plant.
We currently accept seeds for this plant
Bloom colour: Green
Bloom period: Jul - Sep
Max Height: 4.0 feet
Max Width: 4.0 feet (spreads by rhizome)
Light condition:
More than 6 hours of direct sun a day
More than 2 or 3 hours but less than 6 hours of direct sun a day
Soil conditions:
Tolerates dry soil condition
Tolerates medium soil condition
More than 6 hours of direct sun a day
More than 2 or 3 hours but less than 6 hours of direct sun a day
Tolerates dry soil condition
Tolerates medium soil condition
Lifespan:
Perennial
plants that will that come back year after year
Gardener Experience:
Does not spread uncontrollably
Easy to germinate
Self-seeding
Does not spread uncontrollably
Easy to germinate
Self-seeding
Landscape uses:
Suitable for rock gardens
Suitable for rain gardens
Suitable for shoreline rehabilitation
Tolerates foot traffic
Suitable for rock gardens
Suitable for rain gardens
Suitable for shoreline rehabilitation
Tolerates foot traffic
Ecological Benefits:
Supports birds
Supports pollinators
Supports birds
Supports pollinators
Tolerates:
Tolerates salt conditions
Deer resistant
Rabbit resistant
Tolerates foot traffic
Tolerates limestone conditions
Tolerates juglone conditions
Tolerates transplantation
Tolerates salt conditions
Deer resistant
Rabbit resistant
Tolerates foot traffic
Tolerates limestone conditions
Tolerates juglone conditions
Tolerates transplantation
Special Features and Considerations:
Plant Location
Native to Ottawa region: Yes
Thrives in Ecozones
- Atlantic Maritime
- Boreal Plains
- Prairies
- Mixed Wood Plains
Ecological Benefits
Butterflies Supported by Panicum virgatum
No butterfly data available for this plant.
Specialized Bees Supported by Panicum virgatum
No bee data available for this plant.
Plants that grow in similar conditions, that bloom at the same time.
Complementary Plants
- Coreopsis tripteris
Tall Tickseed
Coréopsis trifoliolé - Solidago altissima
Tall Goldenrod
Verge d’or haute - Solidago squarrosa
Squarrose Goldenrod
Verge d’or squarreuse - Symphyotrichum laeve
Smooth Aster
Aster lisse - Symphyotrichum lanceolatum
White Panicled Aster
Aster lancéolé
Substitute For Non-Native Plants
- Miscanthus (Silvergrass)
- Cortaderia selloana (Pampas Grass)
- Phalaris arundinacea (Reed Canary Grass)
- Pennisetum setaceum (Fountain Grass)
Sowing Information
Download Sowing Label (PDF)
- Sowing depth: Sow just below surface
- Sow anytime
- Stratification duration: 0 days
- Self-seeding
- Notes: Can be sown in late spring in warm soil.
Harvesting and Seed Sharing
- Harvest start month: September
- Harvesting indicator: Seeds easily fall off when you gently pull them off
- Harvesting mean: Use hand to detach from main stem
- Seed viability test: No test needed before donating
- Packaging measure: 1 rounded 1/32 teaspoon
- Seed storage: Air dry in paper bag or open container, for a few days until crisp, shaking seeds to move them once in a while to prevent molding
- At least one cultivar: Yes, do not donate unless you know source, and there are no known cultivars in your garden or at proximity
- Remove non seed material
- No harvesting video available at this time.
Toxicity Notes
Toxic to mammals if ingested.