Switchgrass Panicum virgatum 'Northwind'
ABOUT
Northwind switchgrass is a perennial grass that exhibits a distinctive, upright growth habit, which can add a vertical accent to gardens and landscapes. Its leaves are linear and flat and tend to have a bluish-green hue. The foliage is known for being particularly weather-resistant, retaining its upright form even after storms or heavy rain. In the summer months, Northwind switchgrass produces airy and light flower panicles that emerge high above the foliage, creating a visually arresting texture. These flowers can have a soft pink or silver coloration, and as they mature, they transform into a golden hue. In the fall, the foliage can develop shades of yellow and gold, providing additional visual interest as the seasons change. During the winter, the plant retains its structural integrity and its tall, narrow leaves, which can produce a striking aesthetic against a backdrop of snow. Northwind switchgrass is appreciated for its resilience and low-maintenance requirements, as well as its ability to provide year-round interest in a variety of climates.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Poaceae
Synonyms
Northwind Switchgrass, Upland Switchgrass, Tall Prairie Grass, Northwind Tall Panic Grass
Common names
Panicum virgatum 'Northwind'.
ToxicityTo humans
Switchgrass, specifically the cultivar 'Northwind', is generally not considered toxic to humans. There are no significant reports of poisoning or toxic reactions in humans due to the ingestion or handling of Switchgrass. Therefore, it is generally considered safe with no notable toxicity-related consequences from ingesting parts of this plant.
To pets
Switchgrass, when it comes to the cultivar 'Northwind', is also not known to be toxic to pets. It is typically safe for animals and there are no widely recognized symptoms of poisoning associated with this plant for domestic animals like cats and dogs. Ingesting parts of this grass should not cause toxic consequences for pets.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Varies
Height
4-6 feet (1.2-1.8 meters)
Spread
2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 meters)
Plant type
Grass
Hardiness zones
4-9
Native area
North America
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Value: Adds vertical interest to gardens with its tall, upright growth and feathery seed panicles.
- Low Maintenance: Requires minimal care once established, with no need for fertilization or watering in most climates.
- Drought Tolerance: Well-adapted to dry conditions, making it suitable for xeriscaping and reducing the need for irrigation.
- Erosion Control: Its extensive root system helps stabilize soil and prevent erosion, especially on slopes.
- Habitat for Wildlife: Provides food and shelter for birds and insects, including caterpillars of certain butterfly species.
- Winter Interest: Maintains structure and offers aesthetic appeal even during the winter months.
- Adaptability: Can thrive in a wide range of soil types, from well-drained sandy soils to heavy clays.
- Fast Growth: Establishes quickly and can reach full size in just a few growing seasons.
- Versatility in Landscaping: Suitable for use in mass plantings, borders, screens, or as a focal point in garden design.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Wildlife Habitat: Switchgrass provides shelter for small animals such as birds and insects, offering a safe haven from predators and harsh weather.
- Art and Crafts: Dry switchgrass stalks can be used in floral arrangements or for making crafts such as baskets and decorative items.
- Erosion Control: The dense root system of switchgrass helps stabilize soil and prevent erosion on slopes and in areas prone to water runoff.
- Biodegradable Material: Switchgrass can be used as a raw material for producing biodegradable plastics and packaging solutions.
- Sound Barrier: When planted in dense rows, switchgrass can help reduce noise pollution by absorbing and deflecting sound waves.
- Privacy Screen: Switchgrass grows tall and can be used to create a natural privacy screen in gardens and along property lines.
- Thatching Material: The leaves and stems of switchgrass can be harvested and used as thatching material for roofing traditional or rustic structures.
- Winter Interest: The tall, sturdy stems of switchgrass provide visual interest in the garden during the winter months when other plants have died back.
- Paper Production: The fibrous material from switchgrass can be utilized in the production of specialty papers.
- Filtration Systems: Switchgrass can be incorporated into constructed wetlands and natural filtration systems to improve water quality by absorbing excess nutrients and pollutants.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiSwitchgrass is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilitySwitchgrass is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Resilience: As a perennial grass, Northwind switchgrass symbolizes resilience due to its ability to thrive in a variety of conditions and come back year after year.
- Flexibility: The tall and slender form of Northwind switchgrass moving with the wind reflects the symbolic meaning of flexibility and the ability to adapt to changing circumstances.
- Growth: Northwind switchgrass represents growth, as it can grow quite tall, and it's often used in landscaping to create height and structure.
- Harmony with Nature: The use of Northwind switchgrass in naturalistic plantings conveys a symbolism of living in harmony with nature due to its native status in North American prairies.
- Endurance: Northwind switchgrass has a deep root system which makes it drought-tolerant and symbolizes endurance and the ability to endure difficult conditions.
WaterNorthwind Switchgrass requires moderate watering. For newly established plants, water them deeply once a week with approximately 1 inch of water, which is about 0.6 gallons per square foot. Once established, they are drought-tolerant and will generally only need supplemental watering during prolonged dry spells. If the weather is particularly hot and dry, increase the frequency to twice a week, ensuring the soil remains moist to a depth of about 6 inches. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so ensure the soil drains well and adjust your watering schedule to less frequent during cooler or wet periods.
LightNorthwind Switchgrass thrives best in full sunlight. It should be placed in a location where it receives a minimum of six hours of direct sunlight daily. Partial shade can be tolerated, but the full sun is optimal for its growth and the development of its characteristic upright form and flowering. Avoid heavy shaded areas which can lead to poor growth and reduced vigor.
TemperatureNorthwind Switchgrass is hardy and adaptable, tolerating a wide range of temperatures. It can withstand winter cold down to about -20°F and is suitable for growth in USDA zones 4 through 9. The ideal temperature for Northwind Switchgrass is between 70°F and 90°F, but it will grow successfully in typical outdoor conditions for most regions within its hardiness range without any need for temperature control.
PruningNorthwind Switchgrass benefits from being cut back once a year to make room for new growth. Pruning should take place in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Cut the grass back to a height of about 4 inches above the ground. This annual pruning keeps the plant healthy and maintains its attractive shape. It is not necessary to prune more frequently unless damaged or dead foliage needs to be removed.
CleaningAs needed
SoilSwitchgrass 'Northwind' thrives in a soil mix that is well-draining and rich in organic matter with a pH between 5.8 and 7.2. A good soil mix for this plant can be made with two parts garden soil, one part compost, and one part perlite or sand to ensure adequate drainage and aeration.
RepottingNorthwind Switchgrass is a perennial grass and typically does not require repotting as it is usually grown outdoors. In the garden, it does not need to be replanted but can be divided every few years in the spring, if desired, to manage its size or propagate new plants.
Humidity & MistingSwitchgrass 'Northwind' is tolerant of a wide range of humidity levels and does not have specific requirements; it adapts well to the humidity levels typically found in most outdoor environments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Grow 'Northwind' in a large container with drainage, bright light, and room to reach its height.
Outdoor
Plant 'Northwind' Switchgrass in full sun, well-draining soil; water regularly.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
Life cyclePanicum virgatum 'Northwind', commonly known as Northwind switchgrass, begins its life cycle as a seed germinating in the spring season when soil temperatures warm up. The germinated seed grows into a seedling, with initial roots and shoots emerging to establish the plant. Following the establishment, vegetative growth progresses through the spring and summer with the development of a strong root system and tall, sturdy stems. In midsummer to early fall, the plant enters the reproductive stage, producing airy flower panicles that later develop into seed heads. As autumn approaches, Northwind switchgrass transitions into senescence when the foliage starts to dry and turn a golden-brown color, with the plant eventually dying back to the ground in winter. However, the perennial nature of the plant ensures that it regrows from the root system again in the next growing season, completing its cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Late spring
The most popular method of propagation for Panicum virgatum 'Northwind', commonly known as Northwind switchgrass, is through division. This method is typically done in the spring, when the plant's growth is just beginning to resume and the soil is workable. To propagate by division, the gardener should dig up a well-established clump and gently separate it into smaller sections, each with a portion of the root system attached. These sections can then be replanted at the same depth they were growing at originally, spacing them about 24 to 36 inches (approximately 61 to 91 centimeters) apart to allow for mature growth. Watering thoroughly after planting is key to help establish the new divisions. This technique allows the gardener to quickly expand their switchgrass plantings while maintaining the genetic consistency of the 'Northwind' cultivar.
