Panicum virgatum 'Thundercloud' - switchgrass
DESCRIPTION
switchgrassPanicum virgatum 'Thundercloud'
When you need a tall accent, look no further than Thundercloud. This beautiful, blue green grass reaches 7-8’ tall and stays upright no matter what. In late summer, a plethora of pinkish-tan, airy panicles are produced just above the foliage. This provides important cover for birds during the coldest days of winter. From a design stand point this is a very versatile plant that can be used as a specimen, in masses, as an informal hedge and in rain gardens.
BENEFITS
- Provides nest sites, protective cover and food for birds
- Towering height make it a great backdrop, specimen, or screening plant
- Suitable for rain gardens
- Can be used in dried flower arrangements
- Unpalatable to deer
- Essential larval host for most banded skippers and satyrs
NATIVE INFO
Native Range
Woodlands edge, breaks, fields, marshes, prairies and roadsides; Nova Scotia to Manitoba south to Nevada and Florida.
Map Credit: The Biota of North America
MAP KEY: Green (native), Teal (native, adventive), Blue (present), Yellow (present & rare), Red (extinct)
Interesting Facts
Clumping grasses like this are also known as bunch grasses. Use these grasses en masse mixed with meadow shrubs to provide ideal wildlife habitat. This kind of layout provides protective cover, quality nesting areas and food for birds and insects.
GROWING TIPS
Grows easily in full sun. Plant in average to dry soil. Leave foliage in place for winter interest and to provide homes for over-wintering wildlife. Cut back to the ground in late winter before new growth begins.