Well I'm not up north, but I am far enough west to get plenty of wicked winter prairie winds. I've had it two years and so far it is thriving. The first winter we had sustained -20 degree weather and no snow cover. Maybe someone else way up north can chime in.

Planted mine 2 years ago..full sun open wind exposure. Its now 6 feet tall and has babies all over the area. Its always so beautiful I just love it..them!

I think it is worth a try since the native range of the species includes northern minnesota. Once established it will regrow quickly if it suffers dieback. I have seen a little tip dieback here in Minneapolis.