Panicum virgatum ‘Dream Catcher Tumbleweed’ – Tumbleweed Switchgrass (B&B.BW.CVR.DR.DRGHT.EC.FC.H.M.NB.M.OP.SHWY)

Ecosystem Services:
(B)-Birds                                             (B&B)-Birds & Butterflies

(BTF)-Butterflies                             (BW)-Black Walnut Resistant

(DR)-Deer Resistant                      (DRGHT)-Drought Resistant

(EC)-Erosion Control                    (EVR)-Evergreen

(FC)-Fall Color                                 (FRG)-Fragrant

(GRD)-Groundcover                      (H)-Host plant

(HMR)-Hummingbirds                (M)-Mammals

(MTH)-Moths                                   (N)-Nectar

(NB)-Native Bees                            (NST)-Nesting Material

(OP)-Other pollinators                 (RR)-Rabbit Resistant

(SHWY)-Showy                                (SPC)-Specimen Plant

This is a new species, and will be available for sale in June 2026

Panicum virgatum Dream Catcher®​ Tumbleweed®​ is a compact selection, reaching a height of 36 inches, including flowers.  ‘Tumbleweed’ becomes covered in flower plumes in late summer, lending to it’s rounded form, providing its namesake. This is an amazing  native grass that commands attention in the garden and works well in mid-height meadows as well.

The parent species Panicum virgatum ranges through most of the southern Canadian provinces and the contiguous United States.  The species is indigenous to prairies, savannas, glades, rocky bluffs, stream banks, open woods, sand dunes, marsh borders, roadsides, ditches and fields.  Michigan Plant Breeder, Dave Mackenzie, developed this grass at Hortech, Inc. in Nunica, MI.

Panicum virgatum ‘Dream Catcher®​ Tumbleweed®’​  prospers in sunny sites with average to moist soil. Plants tolerate drought, salt and clay, sandy or infertile soils. Stems are sturdy and usually remain upright without staking even in windy coastal sites.

The only maintenance needed is to cut or burn this grass to the ground in late winter.

Host plant for various Skipper butterflies and the Common Wood-Nymph.