Photo of Panicum virgatum 'Northwind' flower by Hans Mesker

Photo by Hans Mesker

Used with permission, all rights reserved

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Panicum virgatum 'Northwind'

Also Known As

  • Northwind Switchgrass

Plant type

grass / grass like

size

  • H: 4'-6'
  • W: 2'-3'

planting zones

  • 4a-9b

More Options

Panicum virgatum 'Northwind' plant details

Panicum virgatum 'Northwind' is a deciduous grass (or grassy in appearance) with green foliage. A good option if you're seeking something verticillium wilt resistant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Panicum virgatum 'Northwind'

Plant type: grass (or grassy in appearance)
Plant family: poaceae
Foliage: deciduous green
Mature size: 2 FT - 3 FT - wide, 4 FT - 6 FT - tall

GROWING CONDITIONS for Panicum virgatum 'Northwind'

USDA Zones: 4a - 9b
Sun exposure: sun
Resistant to: deer, verticillium wilt

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

This architecturally-upright 5-6' grass forms a clump 2-3' wide... makes a statement with its tall silhouette into winter, its golden-yellow flowers, and gold fall color; another fine selection from the tall-grass prairie. S/M-D/GDr
'Northwind' is a tall switch grass cultivar which features one of the best vertical and compact forms available. The leaves are olive-green to bluish-green, turning yellow-beige in fall to provide good winter interest. Perennial Plant of the Year 2014.
Awarded the coveted 2014 plant of the year award, 'Northwind's roots can be traced back to the railroad tracks near South Elgin, Illinois, where Roy Diblik collected some native Panicum seeds. Selected from those initial seedlings for its unique unwavering stature, this dashing straight-backed cultivar unleashes a narrow sky-bound clump of broad olive-colored blades with bluish green undersides. Gossamer-textured inflorescences hover just above the leaves, hallmarked by tiny yellow flowers and purple seed heads. Unsung among ornamental grasses and the most markedly vertical of the Switch grasses, it lends intriguing winter architecture and possesses a dogged determination that triumphs over drought, heavy downpours, varied soil conditions, pesky deer and foliar rust.

Gardening facts about Panicum virgatum 'Northwind' plant

How to Grow Panicum virgatum 'Northwind'

  • Sun Exposure

    • sun
  • Special Situation

    • verticillium wilt resistant

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • green
  • Wildlife

    • deer resistant
  • Foliage Season

    • deciduous

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