Northwind Switch Grass

Panicum virgatum 'Northwind'

American Beauties®

Rigid Columnar Form Resists Heavy Snow Load Without Flopping or Bending Over
Cold Hardy: Thrives in Zones 3-9
Grows 6 ft Tall, 3 ft Wide
Showy Yellow Blooms From Late Summer to Early Fall
Drought Tolerant, Pollution Tolerant

$58⁷⁶

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Plant Size

#2 Container

Product variants

Planting & Care

Where to Plant

Sunlight: Give this grass plenty of light, ideally at least 6 hours of direct sun daily. While it can handle light shade, too much shade will make the stems flop over and the foliage less vibrant.
Soil: Northwind isn't picky and adapts to most soil types, including clay or sandy soils, as long as they drain well. Avoid overly rich or consistently soggy soils, which can cause the plant to lose its tight, upright form.

Watering Requirements

Water deeply and regularly during the first growing season to help the root system establish. Once established, Northwind is quite drought tolerant, but consistent moisture will keep the foliage looking its best and prevent the tips from browning.

Pruning Tips

This grass is a warm-season variety, meaning it does most of its growing in late spring and summer. Cut the entire clump back to about 3–4 inches above the ground in late winter or very early spring before new green shoots appear. Leaving the foliage up through winter provides nice structure and movement in the garden, plus shelter for birds.

Fertilizer Needs

Skip the heavy fertilizers; this grass actually performs better in average soil. If growth seems sluggish, apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring as new growth emerges. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers late in the season, as they can lead to weak, floppy stems that won't stand up well to winter weather.

Delivery and Shipping

Shipping Rates

Ships in 7-10 business days • Tracking provided • Weather protected

Under $50	$9.99
$50 - $99.99	$14.99
$100 - $149.99	$16.99
$150 - $198.99	$24.99
$199+	FREE

✓ Zone-specific timing • ✓ Professional packaging • ✓ Health guarantee

Understanding Our Container Sizes

At Nature Hills, our plants are sold in industry-standard nursery containers. You will notice we use the word "container" rather than "gallon." Container numbers follow a nursery trade size standard, not liquid volume. The number tells you the plant's size category and general maturity level. A larger container means a more established plant with a stronger root system.

Container Sizes

Quart

Plant age: 6 months to 1 year
Best for: Ground covers, perennials, ornamental grasses
What to expect: Our smallest and most affordable size. Well-suited for planting in multiples across a large area. Allow 1 to 2 seasons for full establishment.

#1 Container

Plant age: 1 to 2 years
Best for: Shrubs, perennials, smaller trees
What to expect: About the size of a large coffee can. A well-developed root system in a manageable size. Good value choice when you have time to let the plant grow into the space over a season or two.

#2 Container

Plant age: 2 to 3 years
Best for: Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment
What to expect: A noticeable step up from a #1 in both plant size and root development. Good choice when you want visible presence without going to a larger size.

#3 Container

Plant age: 3 to 4 years
Best for: Most plants, most situations — flowering trees, shade trees, evergreen shrubs
What to expect: Our most popular size. Strong, developed root system. Plants in a #3 container make an immediate visual impact from day one. If you want a head start rather than waiting seasons for a plant to fill in, this is typically the right choice.

#5 Container and Larger

Plant age: 4 to 5+ years
Best for: Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact
What to expect: Large, mature plants ready to make an immediate statement in your landscape. We also carry #7 and larger sizes for select varieties.

Why "Container" and Not "Gallon"?

Nursery container sizes follow an industry trade standard established for the nursery and horticulture industry. The number is a size designation, not a measurement of liquid volume. Actual soil volume varies by plant type, root mass, and growing medium. Using "container" is the accurate industry term. When you see #1, #2, or #3, think of it as the plant's size tier, not a gallon measurement.

Root Pouch Containers

Some Nature Hills plants arrive in a Root Pouch, a breathable fabric container made from 100% recycled materials. Root Pouches encourage denser root development through air pruning, which discourages root circling and promotes a stronger, more fibrous root ball at the time of planting.

Plants growing in Root Pouch fabric containers, showing the breathable woven fabric construction

There are two types. Knowing which one you have changes how you plant:

Degradable (brown or tan fabric): Plant the entire pouch directly in the ground. The fabric breaks down naturally in the soil over time.
Non-degradable (black or gray fabric): Remove the pouch before planting. Cut the bottom open with scissors, then peel the sides away. The fibrous root ball will hold its shape.

Not sure which type you have? Check the tag on your plant or contact us and we will confirm.

Full Root Pouch planting guide

Choosing the Right Size

Size	Plant Age	Best For
Quart	6 mo to 1 yr	Ground covers, perennials, grasses. Budget-friendly for mass plantings.
#1 Container	1 to 2 yrs	Shrubs, perennials, small trees. Value choice for patient gardeners.
#2 Container	2 to 3 yrs	Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment.
#3 Container	3 to 4 yrs	Most plants. Immediate visual impact. Our most popular size.
#5 and larger	4+ yrs	Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact.

Still not sure which size is right for your project? Our plant specialists are happy to help. Contact us and we will point you in the right direction.

Plant specifications
Plant Characteristics	Cold hardy, Low Maintenance, Native, Fall Color/Interest, Deer-resistant, Clay Tolerant, Drought resistant, Heat Tolerant, Salt Tolerant, Wet Soils, Slopes/Erosion Control, Hedge/Screen, Non-invasive
Hardiness Zone	5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b
Sunlight	Full sun, Partial shade
Height	6 ft
Width	3 ft
Watering Needs	Low
Preferred Soil	Clay, Loamy, Sandy
Growth Rate	Moderate
Growth Habit	Bushy, Compact, Upright
Plant Life Cycle	Perennial
Blooms In	Fall, Summer
Flower Color	Yellow
Native	Yes
Suitable Space	Outdoors
Plant Name	Grass
Botanical Name	Panicum virgatum 'Northwind'
Species	virgatum
Cultivar	Northwind
Class	Poales
Does Not Ship To	AK, AZ, CA, HI, ID, MT, PR, NV, OR, WA

The Northwind Switch Grass (Panicum virgatum 'Northwind'), is a very upright and erect growing warm-season Ornamental Grass, known for its tolerance for heavy snow load. A wonderful textural and structural element for your landscape!

The strong, upright growing blades are a solid, deep-green during the growing season, before turning golden in the fall. Holding this fall color through the winter! Easy care and very low maintenance, this grass sways and rustles in the breeze, offering sensory elements to the garden!

The tall, delicate inflorescences are golden-yellow and rise gracefully above the foliage during autumn, persisting all winter to offer four-season interest! You'll love the swaying, airy motion these lend to the garden atmosphere!

Planting and Application:

Northwind is an excellent background plant, providing structure, motion, privacy and texture to the garden and landscape! It is quite handsome when used in groups or as an accent plant. Coastal gardens and formal gardens both benefit from this tough grass! Mixing and mingling well with all colors, they add grace, color, plus texture year-round!

Since this grass tolerates wet soils, it is a fine choice for water gardens or along stream banks, water features and rain gardens or where the gutters drain. Deer avoid this water-wise plant so it's great for en masse in out-of-the-way areas. Ornamental grasses are amazing in the perennial and butterfly gardens, or with prairie natives and Xeriscaping, plus it provides excellent cover and food for wildlife.

Deep-Green Ornamental Grass
6-Foot Tall Upright Form
Foliage and Flowers Turn Golden in Autumn
Dense, Upright Selection of a Native
Winter Interest, Sound, Color, Texture, Motion!

#ProPlantTips for Care:

Northwind is spreading, easy-care, versatile and tolerant of a wide range of soil and climatic conditions and is an improved form of the native. Hardy USDA zones 3-9, it's a warm-season perennial grass, so don't be alarmed if it's not growing in early spring. Switch Grass loves moist, well-draining, fertile soil. However, it also tolerates sand, dry soils and slopes, and boggy areas. Even doing well in clay conditions, alkalinity, occasional drought, moderate salinity, and incidental seasonal flooding!

Full Sun & Part Shade
Moist to Dry (Once Established) Well-Drained Soil
Easy To Grow - Incredibly Versatile & Adaptable
Deer-Resistant
Warm-Season Grass Variety
Tolerates Snow Load

Northwind is tough! Add drama and grace to your landscape without the fuss. Northwind Switch Grass is a popular plant that always sells out fast here at Nature Hills so order yours now!

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Frequently Asked Questions

What type of soil does Northwind Switch Grass prefer, and can it handle clay or sandy soils?

Northwind Switch Grass is extremely adaptable and tolerates a wide range of soil conditions, including clay and sandy soils. It even thrives in wet soils, making it perfect for rain gardens or areas with poor drainage. Plant it anywhere from dry xeriscaping sites to waterlogged spots for reliable performance in zones 3-9.

How much water does Northwind Switch Grass need after it's established—is it drought-tolerant?

Established Northwind Switch Grass is very drought-tolerant and described as water-wise. This hardy native thrives in zones 3-9 with minimal irrigation once established. Water regularly the first year, then reduce to occasional deep watering during extended dry periods.

Is Northwind Switch Grass deer-resistant?

Yes, Northwind Switch Grass is deer-resistant. Deer naturally avoid this native grass, making it an excellent choice for problem areas where deer browsing is common. Plant it en masse in remote garden spots or use it as a natural barrier in zones 3-9.

How do I care for Northwind Switch Grass, including pruning or cutting back?

Northwind Switch Grass is extremely low maintenance and tolerates a wide range of soil conditions in zones 3-9. As a warm-season grass, cut it back to 4-6 inches in late winter before new growth begins. It handles wet soils well and is drought tolerant once established.

Does Northwind Switch Grass spread aggressively or reseed itself?

Northwind Switch Grass spreads gradually through rhizomes but is not considered aggressive like some ornamental grasses. This improved native selection maintains a controlled, upright clumping habit in zones 3-9. Expect manageable spread that's easy to divide when needed, available at naturehills.com.

What size plants are available for purchase, like bare root, gallon pots, or larger?

Northwind Switch Grass is typically available in 1-gallon containers from most nurseries. This hardy zones 3-9 perennial reaches 6 feet tall at maturity, so even smaller starter plants establish quickly. Plant in spring after soil warms since it's a warm-season grass.

Can Northwind Switch Grass be shipped bare root, and what are the shipping restrictions?

Northwind Switch Grass ships as potted plants, not bare root, since ornamental grasses establish better with intact root systems. This hardy zones 3-9 perennial can ship spring through fall. Order early in the season for best establishment before winter.

How long does it take for Northwind Switch Grass to reach maturity?

Northwind Switch Grass typically reaches its full 6-foot mature height within 2-3 growing seasons. As a warm-season grass in zones 3-9, it puts on most of its growth from late spring through summer. Plant in spring after soil warms for best establishment.

Northwind Switch Grass

Panicum virgatum 'Northwind'