Native Plant Spotlight: Shenandoah Switchgrass

Tyler and Shenandoah Switchgrass

Welcome to our first Native Plant Spotlight!

Throughout the summer, we'll be highlighting native plants and native cultivars that perform well in southwest Missouri landscapes. This week's spotlight is Shenandoah Switchgrass, one of our favorite ornamental grasses for adding color, texture, and year-round interest.

Why We Like It

Shenandoah Switchgrass is a cultivar of our native switchgrass that was selected for its hardiness and exceptional color. It offers something interesting in every season and fits beautifully into both formal and naturalistic landscape designs.

Its upright, fountain-like form adds structure to garden beds while remaining soft and graceful in the landscape.

Seasonal Interest

One of the standout features of Shenandoah Switchgrass is how its color changes throughout the year.

Spring: The foliage emerges blue-green with attractive red-tipped blades.

Summer: The red coloring intensifies into rich wine-red tones, and pink to burgundy flower plumes appear in late summer.

Fall: The plant reaches peak color with vibrant burgundy foliage accented by shades of red and orange.

Winter: Even after dormancy, the straw-colored stems remain standing, providing texture, movement, and seasonal interest. The seed heads also provide food and shelter for native songbirds throughout the winter months.

Growing Conditions

Shenandoah Switchgrass is remarkably adaptable and thrives in a wide range of conditions.

• Full Sun (6+ hours daily)

• USDA Zones 4–9

• Tolerates clay, sandy, and loamy soils

• Performs well in both wet and dry conditions

• Heat and cold tolerant

Once established, it is a dependable, low-maintenance addition to the landscape.

Landscape Uses

Shenandoah Switchgrass works well in a variety of settings, including:

• Native plant gardens

• Pollinator plantings

• Rain gardens

• Mixed perennial borders

• Privacy screens and informal hedges

• Vertical accents within landscape beds

Its upright growth habit makes it an excellent choice for adding height and movement without overwhelming nearby plants.

Maintenance

Maintenance is simple. Cut plants back to approximately six inches tall in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.

Mature plants typically reach 3–4 feet tall and 2–3 feet wide.

Find It at Carson's

If you're looking for a tough, adaptable ornamental grass that provides four seasons of interest, Shenandoah Switchgrass is worth considering. Located in the Grass House!

Stop by Carson's Nurseries to see our native plant selections and learn more about incorporating native plants into your landscape.

Stay tuned for next week's Native Plant Spotlight!