Panicum virgatum (Switchgrass) is a native grass in every state, except 4 Pacific coast states(CA, OR, WA, AK).
In Georgia, it is widespread, from the Mtns to the Sea, including several Metro counties.
In Florida, it is more pervasive than here, so the story about not doing well because of heat & humidity, lacks substantiation!
There are at least a dozen Panicum species native to GA, plus many other types of switchgrass and panicgrass, in other Genera that were separated from Panicum.
I can't recommend a source, as I have not noticed any nurseies stocking it.
Rb

Thanks razorback! I knew they were native, which is why I found it curious for the person in the nursery to say that (she seemed really knowledgeable otherwise...), and I wondered if anyone here might know a reason for it, and what their experiences are growing the panicums.

I'm only growing natives, but strangely, I've a hard time finding any panicums in the nurseries I've visited. I ended ordering alot of my native plants from Niche Gardens in NC. I will likely be doing that for the panicums.

Thanks!

I've grown 'Heavy Metal' over here next door to you in Alabama. No problems at all. It's a plant-it-and-forget-about-it grass.

It seems like the Panicum cultivars went through a brief period of popularity in nurseries around here and now are more difficult to find.

Good to hear it's an easy grass, bamadave. 'Heavy metal' is the one I'm thinking of planting.

Thanks alot!