Species switch grass
Upright, narrow, shiny, burgundy-green, feathery blades

switch grass

Panicum virgatum 'Squaw'

Switch grass (Panicum virgatum 'Squaw') is native to North America and has a hearty, prairie-like appearance that is easy to recognize. It grows in dense, upright clumps, reaching up to 6 feet tall and just as wide. The foliage emerges as a deep green in the spring but changes to a yellowish-brown in fall. It is a highly versatile plant and thrives in most soil types. It is suited for both sunny and partially shaded areas, making it an ideal choice for large gardens and landscapes. The attractive flower panicles are fittingly showy and can be seen in late summer. 'Squaw' is tolerant of drought and extreme temperatures, so it’s an ideal grass choice for drier climates.

Cycle:

Perennial

Watering:

Frequent

Propagation:

Seed Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

5 - 9

Flowers:

Pink-tinged Flowers In Summer

Sun:

Full sun

Soil:

Humus rich, Rocky , gravelly , dry, Well-drained

Fruits:

brown,tan Fruits In Autumn Ready In

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

High

Maintenance:

Low

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Care Level:

Moderate

watering

Switch Grass (Panicum virgatum 'Squaw') should be watered deeply and infrequently. During the growing season, the switch grass should be watered approximately once a week as long as the soil is well-draining and does not become saturated. During periods of extreme heat or drought, the plant may require additional water. In the winter, while the switch grass is dormant, it should not need to be watered at all.

sunlight

Switch grass (Panicum virgatum 'Squaw') prefers full sunlight for best growth and should get at least 8 hours a day in order to do well. It is a warm-season grass, meaning it will be most active during the summer and early fall months. Therefore, it is important to provide as much direct sunlight as possible during these months and throughout the growing season in order to keep the plant healthy. Although it does need plenty of sunlight, switch grass (Panicum virgatum 'Squaw') prefers consistent exposure as opposed to too much intense sun all at once. Aiming for 6-8 hours of sunlight per day is an ideal amount for this species of grass. When possible, try to spread out the direct sunlight exposure throughout the day instead of giving it all at once.

pruning

Switch grass (Panicum virgatum 'Squaw') should be pruned in the late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Pruning should be done lightly, removing only a few inches off the top. This will help to encourage more vigorous growth and bushier plants. Additionally, dead or diseased areas should be removed at this time. Switch grass should not be heavily pruned, as this can create weak, sparse plants.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

Switch grass typically begins flowering in late summer, usually in August or September.

Harvest Fruit

Switch grass is typically harvested in late summer or early fall, so the months to start harvesting the fruits from Panicum virgatum 'Squaw' would be August, September, October, and November.

Starts Flowering

Switch grass typically begins flowering in late summer, usually in August or September.

Harvest Fruit

Switch grass is typically harvested in late summer or early fall, so the months to start harvesting the fruits from Panicum virgatum 'Squaw' would be August, September, October, and November.

Hardiness Map