Grows 4-6' ht x 2-3' sp
A compact, clumping grass with excellent vertical form. Green to blue-green foliage turns golden-yellow in autumn. Produces showy seed heads lending winter interest. Sturdy stems stay upright, even under a snow load. With deep roots, it is drought tolerant and good for erosion control. 'Northwind' is one of the best vertical forms available of all the cultivars of this species.
Photo Credit: The JC Raulston Arboretum; Wiki Commons
Red Switchgrass/ grows 3-4' ht & 2' sp
Foliage emerges bluish-green but turns wine-red (by late summer) to form a compact, narrow, erect, 3' tall clump of foliage which is topped in summer by a finely-textured, reddish-pink flower. Has a greater saturation of red than 'Shenandoah'. Flowers turn beige as the seeds mature in fall with the seed plumes persisting well into winter. Foliage also turns beige in fall and provides good winter interest.
Photo Credit: Walters Gardens
Red Switchgrass/ grows 3-4' ht & sp
Burgundy-red foliage emerges bluish-green but rapidly turns burgundy-red (by late June) to form a compact, narrow, erect, 3' tall clump of foliage which is topped in summer by a finely-textured, reddish-pink flower. Flowers turn beige as the seeds mature in fall with the seed plumes persisting well into winter. Foliage also turns beige in fall and provides good winter interest.
Photo Credit: The JC Raulston Arboretum; National Gardening Association