Panicum virgatum Seeds - Emerald Chief Switchgrass

Panicum virgatum, commonly known as Emerald Chief Switchgrass, is one of the beloved prairie grasses for its colorful transformation throughout the growing season. This warm season grass produces well clumped vertical grass blades that send up delicate purple panicle heads that emerge in mid-summer when the blade leaves are a rich blue-green. The showy seed heads continue into fall when the blade leaves turn a rich golden yellow that is perfectly suited for autumn. The plant blade leaves can grow 40" to 48" inches and the seed heads 60" inches hovering above the plant. Tolerant to dry, hot climates, this easy to grow variety brings vertical winter interest to your garden. It also provides much needed shelter and food for beneficial insects, birds and small mammals that live in the under-stories of the clump masses, creating dense cover for wildlife habitat. Specifically, the Tawny-edge Skipper and the Delaware Skipper also use it as a host plant. NOTE: A prolific self seeder, it should be used with caution in very small landscapes. Packet: 50 seeds.