Switch Grass (Panicum virgatum) 'Heavy Metal' is a favorite cultivar of native Switch Grass due to its stiff and upright growth habit, metallic blue-gray foliage, and tan blooms in late summer. Grow in full sun and with drier soil conditions to showcase the best color. This Switch Grass variety tolerates a wide range of soils and looks excellent in more formal or natural plantings due to its upright habit. Use as a specimen plant or in a group planting in garden beds, borders, mixed grass plantings, rock gardens, or natural prairie plantings. Switch Grass is moderately tolerant of urban sites and pollution.