Heavy Metal Switch Grass

Switchgrass ‘Heavy Metal’ is a clumping, upright cultivar of *Panicum virgatum* with stiff metallic blue-green leaves. In fall the foliage turns amber, and airy pink-tinged panicles develop dark burgundy seed heads that feed birds and small mammals through winter. North Carolina State Extension reports a mature range of 4–5 feet tall and 1–2 feet wide and notes that Kurt Bluemel introduced the selection in Maryland in the 1980s. [North Carolina State Extension’s Plant Toolbox](https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/panicum-virgatum-heavy-metal/common-name/heavy-metal-panic-switchgrass/) ## Growing Site in full sun for a firm vertical habit; partial shade is tolerated, though heavy shade can cause the stems to topple. The grass grows in moist sandy or clay soils and tolerates occasional dry and wet conditions. Use it as a vertical accent or in a massed border, meadow, or naturalized planting. ## Maintenance Leave the seed heads for winter interest and wildlife. Cut the clump to the ground in late winter or early spring, before new growth begins.