Panicum virgatum 'Heavy Metal'

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Heavy Metal Switch Grass

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Information by: J.J. Neilson Arboretum Photographer:

Description

This perennial grass will grow 2'-4' tall and 2'-4' wide. It has narrow, blue gray leaves with slender, light flowers that bloom in midsummer. Tall grasses are highly combustible.

Plant Type

Perennial, Grass

Height Range

1-3', 3-6'

Flower Color

Purple, Red

Flower Season

Summer, Fall

Leaf Color

Blue Green

Bark Color

n/a

Fruit Color

n/a

Fruit Season

n/a

Sun

Full, Half

Water

Medium

Growth Rate

Moderate

Soil Type

Sandy, Loam

Soil Condition

Average, Rich, Well-drained, Moist

Soil pH

Neutral

Adverse Factors

n/a

Design Styles

Meadow, Ranch, Woodland

Accenting Features

Fall Color, Showy Flowers, Specimen

Seasonal Interest

Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall

Location Uses

Entry, Perennial Border, Foundation, Parking Strip, Patio, Park, Parking Lot, Roadside, Walls / Fences

Special Uses

Erosion Control, Filler, Mass Planting, Naturalizing

Attracts Wildlife

n/a

Water Saving Tip:

Replace turf with groundcovers, trees, and shrubs. If you have areas where no one uses the grass, patches that do not grow well, or a turf area too small to water without runoff, consider replacing the turf with water-efficient landscaping.