Product Review

Sunburst switchgrass is an easy-to-grow perennial grass found throughout most of the United States. This cultivar originates from North Dakota. Frequently grown in clumps as a landscaping plant, it reaches about three to five feet in height and should be cut back to the ground in the early spring so that new blades can form from the stalks. Its ornamental value is primarily derived from its reddish stems and golden-brown seed heads. This species is not picky about location and works well for erosion control. Switchgrass is actually a type of millet and is often used for grazing due to its high protein and phosphorus content. It has a very high biomass and therefore shows promise as a biofuel as well. It also plays a role in improving water quality. Noted for its exceptional cold hardiness, we fully expect this variety to be 'Calgary hardy'. Both p. Dacotah and p. Sunburst (also Calgary hardy) will bloom at least 2 weeks earlier than our other panicums. Both are great ornamental plants.