Panicum virgatum

Panicum virgatum is a tall grass native throughout the southeast. It grows well in a wide array of conditions: from full sun to part shade; and soils that are wet, dry, or anywhere between. It is drought tolerant. It can get up to seven feet tall during the growing season, and dies back to a few inches in the winter. Leaving dormant stems up until spring provides excellent over-wintering habitat for pollinators. Birds eat the seeds this grass produces in the fall and winter. Like most native grasses, it is fairly resistant to deer. This is also an important host plant to several native butterfly species. Panicum virgatum is an excellent plant for restoration projects and erosion control, or to use as a border/screen in a yard or rain garden.