Botanical Name: Calamagrostis acutiflora
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Common Name: Feather Reed Grass  
Plant photo of: Calamagrostis acutiflora
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Water Saving Tip:

Replace turf with groundcovers, trees, and shrubs. If you have areas where no one uses the grass, patches that do not grow well, or a turf area too small to water without runoff, consider replacing the turf with water-efficient landscaping.

  • Anatomy

  • Culture

  • Design

Plant Type

Perennial, Grass

 

Height Range

3-6'

 

Flower Color

Pink, Purple

 

Flower Season

Summer

 

Leaf Color

Green, Dark Green

 

Bark Color

n/a

 

Fruit Color

n/a

 

Fruit Season

n/a

Sun

Full, Half

 

Water

Medium

 

Growth Rate

Fast

 

Soil Type

Sandy, Clay, Loam

 

Soil Condition

Average, Rich, Poor, Well-drained, Dry

 

Soil pH

Neutral, Basic

 

Adverse Factors

n/a

Design Styles

Meadow, Mediterranean, Ranch, Seascape, Spanish, Water Garden

 

Accenting Features

Showy Flowers, Unusual Foliage

 

Seasonal Interest

Summer, Fall

 

Location Uses

Background, Entry, Perennial Border, Shrub Border, Foundation, Raised Planter, With Rocks

 

Special Uses

Cut Flowers, Hedge, Mass Planting, Small Spaces

 

Attracts Wildlife

Birds

Information by: Stephanie Duer
Photographer:

  • Description

  • Notes

Feather reed grass is perennial grass that grows 4 to 6 feet tall and 1 to 2 feet wide. It is ideal in spaces where some vertical interest would be valued. It is very upright, though the grass blades are gently arching. Flower plumes appear mid June and emerge a light green but quickly turn to pinkish purple. The flower is very airy and feathery, hence the name. Flower is looser than 'Karl Foerster.' Plumes are very persistent into the winter months. Slightly less erect than it's popular kin, 'Karl Foerster.'
Plant in full sun to part shade, in any well drained soil. Does well in heavy clay soils. Cut back in late winter to early spring (see Guides). A very easy-care perennial grass.