Shenandoah Switchgrass Natural Red vs. Fungus Rust

Shenandoah switch grass has a natural maroon red hue to it, which makes it a beautiful ornamental grass. But can you tell the difference between the natural maroon red tint on leaves, and a fungal infection that looks like rust?

I got this Shenandoah on sale for $1 because it was tiny and infected, I cut it all the way back and now it's thriving and free from fungus. It's even beginning the bloom, and develop some nice maroon leaves. Awesome!

Shenandoah switch grass healthy maroon purple leaf color

Rust fungal infection on Shenandoah switch grass

Let's take a look at the before and after from my $1 Shenandoah. This thing is a fighter, and it's getting lots of good growth in before the winter. These two pictures show 1 month difference. I am pretty optimistic about this bargain buy!