Panicum virgatum 'Warrior'

42.14294815, -87.78515625

42.14434433, -87.78699493

42.14440155, -87.78692627

Warrior Switch Grass

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. Warrior switch grass is an upright grass of about six feet in height and about three feet in width. Spring foliage is a bluish-green which has reddish hues during the summer, becoming yellow with red hues in fall, and remaining honey colored throughout winter. Like most switch grasses, Warrior 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 Warrior 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 an evaluation of perennial grasses conducted at Chicago Botanic Garden Warrior switch grass was rated as poor for growing in local conditions.

Soil:
Moderate
Plant Shape:
Upright
Exposure:
Full Sun
Partial Shade
Bloom Time:
July - August
September - October
Bloom Color:
Purple
Landscape Use:
Screen/Hedge
Bedding or Border
Specimen Plant
Wildlife Interest:
Attracts Birds
Resistant To Deer
Plant Type:
Perennial
Hardiness Zone:
4 - 9