Hollinshead Water-wise Garden Plants

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Photo:

Shenandoah Switch Grass

Latin Name:

Panicum virgatum 'Shenandoah'

Showy flower panicles may reach 6 feet

Taxon ID#

60 MAINTENANCE

Maintenance Level:

Low

Min. USDA Hardiness Zone:

5 Sun Preference:

Full Sun

Water Preference:

M

Soil Preference:

Average, medium to wet soils

Fertilizer Needs:

Recommended Mulch:

Family:

Poaceae

Origins:

Plant Type:

Grass

North America but most common from central great plains states

Oregon native:

no

Western state native:

no

PLANT DESCRIPTION

Foliage Color:

Green

Foliage Description:

Bluish green leaves turn burgundy red by late June

Fragrant:

no

Predominant flower color:

Pink

Flower Description:

Reddish pink

Fall color:

yes

Fall Color Description:

Leaves turn yellow, sometimes with orange tints

Winter Foliage:

Deciduous

Winter Interest:

yes

Winter Interest Description:

Seed plumes persist well in to winter

Mature height:

3-4'

Mature spread:

3-4'

Growth rate:

Fast

LANDSCAPE APPLICATION

Deer Resistant:

no

Fire Resistant:

no

Attracts Pollinators:

no

Attracts Butterflies:

no

Native Habitat:

Tallgrass prairies in North America

Attracts Birds:

yes

Cut/Dried Flowers:

no

Photo:

Used by Wildlife:

yes

Hedge/Screen:

yes

Swales:

yes

Wildlife Use:

Seeds are a good food source for birds in winter

Border:

yes

Erosion Control:

yes

Windbreak:

no

Cover Structures:

no

Ground Cover:

no

Provides Shade:

no

Rock Garden:

no

Adds Texture/Movement:

yes

First Bloom:

Jul

Last Bloom:

Oct

Ornamental Accent:

yes

Garden Observations:

SEASONAL CARE

Spring Care:

Cut back the foliage to about 4-6 inches in the spring before growth resumes. When foliage is removed, spring growth will begin earlier. Old foliage left on the plant can delay the crown's warming and subsequent growth by as much as 3 weeks.

Summer Care:

Fall Care:

Grasses do not need to be cut down before winter. In fact, they are attractive when left standing and the foliage helps to insulate the crown of the plant.

Winter Care:

Long Term Care:

Insect Pests:

No serious problems

Wildlife Pests:

No serious problems

Diseases:

Environmental Problems:

Landscape Problems:

Care Comments:

Tolerant of drought, erosion, dry soil, wet soil, black walnut, air pollution

RESOURCES

OSU Landscape Profile:

USDA Plants:

https://plants.sc.egov.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=PAVI2

Calscape Database:

LBJ Native Plant Database:

Missouri Botanical Garden Database:

http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=y310

Hollinshead Water-wise Garden Plants

Photo:

​

Shenandoah Switch Grass

​

​

Latin Name:

Taxon ID#

60

MAINTENANCE

Low

Min. USDA Hardiness Zone:

5

Sun Preference:

Full Sun

Water Preference:

M

Soil Preference:

Average, medium to wet soils

Fertilizer Needs:

​

Recommended Mulch:

​

Family:

Origins:

Plant Type:

Grass

North America but most common from central great plains states

Oregon native:

no

Western state native:

no

PLANT DESCRIPTION

Foliage Color:

Green

Foliage Description:

Bluish green leaves turn burgundy red by late June

Fragrant:

no

Predominant flower color:

Pink

Flower Description:

Reddish pink

Fall color:

yes

Fall Color Description:

Leaves turn yellow, sometimes with orange tints

Winter Foliage:

Deciduous

Winter Interest:

yes

Winter Interest Description:

Seed plumes persist well in to winter

Mature height:

3-4'

Mature spread:

3-4'

Growth rate:

Fast

LANDSCAPE APPLICATION

Deer Resistant:

no

Fire Resistant:

no

Attracts Pollinators:

no

Attracts Butterflies:

no

Native Habitat:

Tallgrass prairies in North America

Attracts Birds:

yes

Cut/Dried Flowers:

no

Photo:

​

Used by Wildlife:

yes

Hedge/Screen:

yes