
Light Needs

Mature Height

Mature Spread

Growing Zones
Thundercloud switchgrass is a giant, native perennial grass that will prove its worth soon after planting. Its blue and green foliage provides a subtle backdrop of color to the landscape. It produces pink and tan ornamental flowerheads in late summer. True to its name, this perennial grass stands tall and proud within any landscape.
What could be a dramatic addition to a container, adds an equally dramatic effect in the landscape due to height. The impacts of this grass are far more than aesthetic, as its native nature makes it an asset. Not only does it create a protective habitat for wildlife, but it provides a winter source of food for wild birds.
Thundercloud Switchgrass Care
This native grass is hardy in zones four through nine. This grass grows quickly and easily in full sun. It’s generally low maintenance in nature. In addition, this plant is drought tolerant once established and deer resistant.
At the end of winter, before the growing season begins it would be beneficial to cut this grass to the ground. It should be left up during the majority of the winter, however, due to the cold protection it can provide for birds.
Thundercloud Switchgrass Spacing
This grass grows quite quickly, and can reach seven to eight feet in height. It should be spread two to three feet apart.
Thundercloud Switchgrass Information
USDA Hardiness Zones: 4 - 9 |
Plant Type: |
Light Exposure: Full Sun (At Least 6 Hours Of Direct Sunlight) |
Mature Height: 7 - 8 Feet |
Mature Spread: 2 - 3 Feet |
Spacing: 2 - 3 Feet |
Habit: Clumping, Upright |
Flower Color(s): Brown |
Flower Description: Tan |
Bloom Period: |
Foliage Type: Herbaceous |
Foliage Color(s): Green |
Foliage Description: |
Seasonal Interest: Summer Flowering, Fall Flowering |
Watering: Average |
Resists: Deer |
Tolerates: Drought |
Attracts: Birds |
Container Role: |
Uses: Borders, Erosion Control, Mass Planting, Wildlife Gardens |
Features: Attracts Pollinators, Cut Flowers, Foliage Interest, Low Maintenance, Native to North America |
Brand: American Beauties Native Plants |
Common Name: Thundercloud Swich Grass |
Other Name(s): |
Scientific Name: PANICUM VIRGATUM `THUNDERCLOUD` |
- SKU:
- 1231008683-pc
Please Note: The pictures below are to give a general representation of the different container sizes. The actual size/ages of plants are estimates and will vary based on type of plant, time of year, last pruning & many other factors.

Also Known As:
Quart
Plant Age:
~ 6 months - 1 year
Plant Size:
~ 4"-8"
Pot Size:
~ 4.75"H x 4.5"W
Volume:
1.50 quarts

Also Known As:
2.5 Quart Pot
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 8"-12"
Pot Size:
~ 6.5"H x 6.5"W
Volume:
2.20-2.30 quarts

Also Known As:
#1 Container
1 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 10"-14"
Pot Size:
~ 7"H x 7.75"W
Volume:
2.26-3.73 quarts

Also Known As:
#2 Container
2 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1.5 - 3 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-18"
Pot Size:
~ 9.5"H x 9.5"W
Volume:
1.19-1.76 gallons

Also Known As:
#3 Container
3 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 2 - 4 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-30"
Pot Size:
~9.5"H x 11"W
Volume:
2.32-2.76 gallons

Also Known As:
#5 Container
5 Gallon
Plant Age:
~3-4 years old
Plant Size:
~ 20" - 60"
Pot Size:
~11" H x 10 1/2” W
Volume:
3.5 - 4 gallons

We stand behind our plants with industry-leading guarantees to give you peace of mind.
We want your plants to arrive in great condition! If you notice any issues upon delivery, contact us within 3 days.
All bushes, perennials & trees come with an extended 1-year warranty for added confidence. If your plant dies due to a health issue within a year, we’ll make it right.

Pre-ordered plants are scheduled to ship in Spring 2025. We carefully plan our shipping dates based on your USDA Plant Hardiness Zone to ensure optimal planting conditions upon arrival. Want it sooner/later? Reach out, and we'll try our best to accommodate.
Estimated ship week for pre-ordered plants will ship based on growing zones as shown below.
Growing Zone | Estimated Ship Week |
---|---|
Zone 10 | March 24th |
Zone 9 | March 31st |
Zone 8 | April 7th |
Zone 7 | April 14th |
Zone 6b | April 21st |
Zone 6a | April 28th |
Zone 5b | May 5th |
Zone 5a | May 12th |
Zone 4 | May 19th |
Zone 3 | May 26th |
Note: These are only estimated ship dates. Plants may ship out later depending on weather & growing conditions of the plant.
Note: Only plants indicated as pre-order will ship as shown above. All other plants and hard goods will ship as normal.
Plants that are currently in stock typically ship within 2-7 business days after your order is placed.