Switch Grass (Panicum virgatum) 'Northwind' is an award-winning cultivar of native Switch Grass that stands out for its dense, upright, and narrow growing habit and olive-green to blue-green foliage, which turns a yellow-beige color in the fall. Finely textured, yellow plumes appear in late summer and last until winter. This variety is popular due to its ability to tolerate not only dry soils, but wet soils for short periods of time as well. This cultivar can also withstand small amounts of shade (too much will cause the plant to flop over) and is somewhat tolerant of urban sites and pollution. 'Northwind' makes an impressive focal point or specimen plant in garden beds and borders, but also an attractive border or backdrop when planted in a mass grouping.