Switchgrass
Panicum virgatum ‘Cloud Nine’
Tall, tan, and handsome, ‘Cloud Nine’ Switchgrass is sure to fit your type. This native switchgrass has arching sea green leaves and oversized, swelling, flower panicles. In gentle winds, the unique, reddish spikelets sway far above surrounding plants. Not only is Panicum virgatum one of our tallest native grasses, it is also one of the most attractive due to its gorgeous, seasonal color transformations. Steely-blue to sea green in the spring and summer, ‘Cloud Nine’ slowly turns into a vibrant harvest gold in the fall, and glimmers through the winter as a shade of deep bronze.
Conditions: Full sun to light shade; moist to wet soil
Size: 6′ – 8′ tall
Zone: 4 – 9
Wildlife Value: Larval host for several skippers; seeds are eaten by a variety of songbirds
