Switch Grass

Switchgrass is commonly used as an ornamental grass, favored for its clump-forming habit and upright foliage. In summer, delicate seedheads form an attractive pink haze on the top of the plants. The grass flickers with oranges and reds in fall as it fades to yellow. Foliage stands up well in winter and provides seeds and hiding spaces for birds, so wait until spring to cut it back. It's a spreader that's best used in larger plantings with other vigorous plants. Pulling seedlings and dividing the clumps every few years can help control its size.

• Spring special: When switchgrass's new spring growth is a few inches tall, cut back last year's growth
• Consider dividing mature plants to maintain their size and spread
• Consider removing some seedlings each year to control spread