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. Totem Pole switch grass is an upright grass of about six feet in height and about two to three feet in width. Foliage is a bluish-green which develops golden seeds heads in the fall. Like most switch grasses, Totem Pole 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 Totem Pole 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.