description Northwind Switchgrass Overview
Northwind is a named cultivar of switchgrass, Panicum virgatum, a native North American perennial grass used in ornamental landscapes. Roy Diblik introduced it through Northwind Perennial Farm, and the cultivar is distinguished by dense, upright, columnar growth rather than the more arching form of many switchgrasses. Its blue-green foliage, erect flower plumes, and clumping habit make it useful where a structured vertical planting is wanted.
help Northwind Switchgrass FAQ
Who discovered Northwind switchgrass?
Roy Diblik selected Northwind from switchgrass seedlings collected in Illinois and developed it through the Northwind Perennial Farm. The cultivar is botanically Panicum virgatum 'Northwind'. [North Carolina Extension](https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/panicum-virgatum-northwind/)
How tall does Northwind switchgrass get?
Northwind commonly reaches about 5 to 6 feet tall. Its height and narrow footprint make it useful as a vertical screen or architectural accent in a sunny landscape.
Why is Northwind switchgrass described as columnar?
Unlike arching switchgrass cultivars, Northwind holds its leaves and flowering stems in a dense, strictly upright form. That columnar habit is the feature that most clearly distinguishes it in landscape planting.
What season is Northwind switchgrass most attractive?
It develops airy pink and green flower panicles in late summer, then turns yellowish beige in autumn. It was also named the Perennial Plant Association's Perennial Plant of the Year in 2014.
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