'Cape Breeze', with an upright habit and compact size, shows off in summer and fall with airy, amber seed heads that are produced earlier than other Panicums. Birds love the seed, cover, and nesting material it provides. Superb when massed, it's also a host plant for many native butterflies.
Prairies and open woods of nearly all of the US with the exception of the west coast states.
Map Credit: The Biota of North America
MAP KEY: Green (native), Teal (native, adventive), Blue (present), Yellow (present & rare), Red (extinct)
Clumping grasses, like 'Shenandoah', are known as bunch grasses. Use them in groups mixed with meadow shrubs to provide an ideal wildlife habitat. This kind of layout provides protective cover, quality nesting areas, food and open travel lanes.
Prefers average, medium to wet soils in full sun to part shade. Adaptable to a wide range of soils, including dry ones, but prefers moist, sandy or clay soils. Cut back clumps to the ground in late winter to early spring.
Choosing the right plants for your garden can seem like a daunting task but we’re here to help. Our horticulturists have spent a considerable amount of time researching and writing our beautiful, American Beauties plant tags to help you be successful. First of all, when you see an American Beauties branded pot at your garden center you can be confident that the plant is native to your area and a responsible choice.
When you look at our tag you’ll find information about the plants natural habitat. That will give you a clue to how it will work in your backyard. For instance if the plant is naturally founded and moist, shade and you have full sun, it’s not the plant for you. The “Features” section gives you an overview or plant description so you’ll know what to expect. While the “Benefits” section talks about the plants strong suits and how the plant will benefit wildlife.
A Special Note About Exposure
Full sun: Prefers six or more hours of direct sunshine a day
Partial shade: Thrives in three to six hours of daily sunshine
Shade: Generally does well with less than three hours of sun per day. Having said that even shade loving plants will struggle in extremely deep shade.
DOWNLOADABLE RESOURCES
Best Plants for Bees - Double sided printout for download
Best Plants for Butterflies - Double sided printout for download