Panicum virgatum ‘Northwind’ #2 (Switchgrass)

Switchgrass is one of the “Big Four” dominant grasses of the tallgrass prairie ecosystem. It is very deeply rooted, allowing it to find moisture in times of drought, and nutrients in very poor soils. It is one of the most widely planted native ornamental grasses in eastern North America due to its reliability, adaptability and beauty. ‘Northwind’ is a cultivated variety of our native Panicum virgatum, bred for its distinctly vertical, architectural form. It has a tight, fountaining appearance with wide, dark green leaves and its flowers are silver to copper airy panicles in summer, turning straw colored by fall. It provides excellent winter interest as it rustles in the wind and it remains a substantial element in the landscape. It can be cut back in spring before new growth begins, the only maintenance this grass needs to look tidy in the garden.

This cultivar was discovered by Roy Diblik in Illinois, growing beside a railroad track. He opened Northwind Perennial Farm in 1992 and named this selection after the nursery.

Sources:
The Know Maintenance Perennial Garden by Roy Diblik
Missouri Botanical Garden
New Moon Nursery
Grow Native! Salt-Tolerant Native Plants