Native to streambanks, roadsides, and tallgrass prairies of the U.S.,  Panicum cultivars are admired by gardeners worldwide. 
 
'Shenandoah' Switchgrass grows to about 3' tall, 4' when in bloom, with wavey leaves that are green with reddish burgundy tips in summer fading to beige and burgundy in fall.
 
These grasses grow best in full sun in well-draining soil. 'Shenandoah' keeps its shape nicely over winter and should be cut back hard in early spring (March) to promote full new growth. 
 
Switchgrasses are host plants to the Common Wood-Nymph and various Skipper butterflies. The seeds feed the birds and small mammals. The grasses provide cover.
 
Panicums are great for erosion control, are drought tolerant and deer resistant, black walnut resistant, salt resistant, and tolerate occasional flooding.