Switch grass was an important part of the tall grass prairie providing an important food source and winter shelter for a range of insects, small mammals and birds, even bison. Shenandoah switch grass is an upright grass of about four feet in height and three feet in width. Spring foliage is a bluish-green which develops maroon and purple streaks by summer and burgundy by fall. The purple seed heads appear in late summer though to fall. Like most switch grasses, Shenandoah is extremely versatile and can cope with a range of soil types from sandy to clay and shade conditions although it prefers full sun. Because of its versatility it can be used in a range of conditions such as rain gardens, stabilization of eroding banks, and black walnut. Since Shenandoah is mostly grown for its ornamental value, it is generally retained for its autumn and winter interest. Cut back the foliage to near ground level in late winter. In a trial conducted at the Chicago Botanic garden Shenandoah was rated as a fair performer in local growing conditions.