Panicum amarum (Bitter Switchgrass)

Panicum amarum (Bitter Switchgrass) is a deciduous, clump-forming, perennial grass forming an erect-stemmed and narrow clump of flat, linear, arching, blue-green leaves throughout the growing season. From late summer to fall, the foliage is topped with a profusion of finely-textured, pink flower panicles which hover over the foliage like an airy cloud. They are followed by beige seed heads that persist well into winter. Bitter Switchgrass is native to sandy dunes and shores in coastal areas from Connecticut to Florida to Texas. It slowly spreads by underground rhizomes and naturalizes easily in the landscape. It is used as a dune stabilizer but is a great addition to borders too. Easy care, drought, dry soil, salt, and air pollution tolerant, Bitter Switchgrass is a long-lived, warm-season grower. Bitter Switchgrass is a larval host plant for various Skipper butterflies and the Common Wood-Nymph (Cercyonis pegala). Adult Common Wood-Nymph butterflies feed on rotting fruit and flower nectar.

• Grows up to 3-4 ft tall (90-120 cm) and 2-3 ft. wide (60-90 cm). Will
• Performs best in full sun in moderately fertile, dry to moist, well-drained soils. Tolerates light shade, but will lose its upright form in too much shade and may fall over. Drought and salt tolerant.
• Welcomed in any garden style, it is versatile and can be used in borders where it provides texture, color, and contrast. A fine choice for coastal gardens, city gardens, cottage gardens, patio containers, or prairies and meadows.
• No serious insect or disease problems.
• Requires little maintenance except cutting back the old foliage to the ground in late winter to early spring.
• Propagate by seed or division in mid-spring.
• Native to sandy dunes and shores in coastal areas from Connecticut to Florida to Texas.