Botanical Name: Calamagrostis x acutiflora 'Overdam'
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Common Name: Overdam Reed Grass  
Plant photo of: Calamagrostis x acutiflora 'Overdam'
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Water Saving Tip:

Change spray sprinklers to low-flow bubbler or drip systems. Shrubs and trees are ideal candidates for this type of irrigation because the water is applied directly to the root zones.

  • Anatomy

  • Culture

  • Design

Plant Type

Perennial, Grass

 

Height Range

1-3', 3-6'

 

Flower Color

Gold, Red

 

Flower Season

Spring, Summer, Fall

 

Leaf Color

Green, White, Yellow, Variegated

 

Bark Color

n/a

 

Fruit Color

n/a

 

Fruit Season

n/a

Sun

Full, Half

 

Water

Medium, Extra in Summer

 

Growth Rate

Moderate

 

Soil Type

Sandy, Clay, Loam, Rocky, Unparticular

 

Soil Condition

Average, Poor, Well-drained

 

Soil pH

Neutral

 

Adverse Factors

n/a

Design Styles

English Cottage, Formal, Meadow, Mediterranean, Ranch, Seascape, Spanish, Native Garden

 

Accenting Features

Showy Flowers, Specimen

 

Seasonal Interest

Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall

 

Location Uses

Entry, Perennial Border, Foundation, Parking Strip, Patio, Park, Walls / Fences

 

Special Uses

Mass Planting, Small Spaces

 

Attracts Wildlife

Birds

Information by: Stephanie Duer
Photographer:

  • Description

  • Notes

Overdam is a wonderful ornamental grass for small spaces. It has an upright and slightly arching habit, with clumps 18 to 24 inches tall, topped by oaty plumes up to 4 feet. Blades are green with a cream to yellow margin. Plumes are oat-like, emerging reddish brown in late spring, and turning golden to buff in the fall.
Grows in full sun, and tolerates shady morning/late-day sun conditions. Grows in any well-drained soil. Cut back in late winter or early spring, before new growth emerges.