Panicum virgatum – Northwind 

This highly ornamental switchgrass cultivar forms an exceptionally upright, dense, columnar clump of steel-blue to olive-green foliage that often reaches 4–5 ft tall, extending to ~6 ft when in bloom. The foliage turns warm yellow-beige in fall, and finely branched pink-green panicles emerge in late summer and persist as airy tan seed heads into winter, providing multi-season interest. Known for its rigid habit, drought, deer, and even salt-tolerance, 'Northwind' performs reliably in full sun garden sites or rain gardens. Selected as the 2014 Perennial Plant of the Year, it’s prized for its architectural stature and low-maintenance profile.