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Calamagrostis x acutiflora

Common Name(s):

Phonetic Spelling
ka-la-ma-GROSS-tis a-kyoo-tih-FLOR-ah
Description

Calamagrostis is a genus consisting of about 250 species of cool season grasses. Calamagrostis x acutiflora, commonly called Feather Reed Grass and sometimes known as C. x acutiflora, is a hybrid resulting from a cross between two species native to Europe and Asia. Feather Reed Grass  is an ornamental grass with clumps of slender, wiry leaves 18 to 36 inches tall and loosely feathered, purplish plumes on stems that rise to 5 feet high. The plumes appear in early summer and gradually turn to narrow, vertical, buff-colored plumes by late summer. The plumes remain attractive through most of the winter and make good sources for fresh or dry arrangements. The plant has a fine texture, stands erect from a narrow clump of foliage, and can be useful as a vertical accent plant.

The plant grows rapidly in well-drained, fertile soil, that does not dry out, but will tolerate heavy clay to poor soil and dry to wet sites. It blooms best in light shade, especially afternoon shade that mitigates hot summers. However, as the shade increases, the flowers and erectness of the foliage diminish. It is a good container plant, but if planted in the ground, does not produce viable seed and will not become invasive. To ensure good growth in the spring, you should cut the clumps back to the ground in late winter. Feather Reed Grass is also deer resistant. 

Diseases, Insects, and Other Plant Problems:

No serious insect or disease problems. Watch for rust, particularly after prolonged rainy periods.

See this plant in the following landscape:
Cultivars / Varieties:
'Karl Foerster', 'Overdam'
Tags:
#ornamental grass#long-lasting flowers#deer resistant#children's garden#playground plant
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
'Karl Foerster', 'Overdam'
Tags:
#ornamental grass#long-lasting flowers#deer resistant#children's garden#playground plant
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Calamagrostis
    Family:
    Poaceae
    Uses (Ethnobotany):
    This plant was used by Native Americans for clothing, mats, containers, and tools.
    Life Cycle:
    Perennial
    Recommended Propagation Strategy:
    Division
    Country Or Region Of Origin:
    Europe to Russian Far East
    Play Value:
    Buffer
    Pieces Used in Games
    Screening
    Textural
    Wildlife Food Source
    Particularly Resistant To (Insects/Diseases/Other Problems):
    deer resistant
    Dimensions:
    Height: 3 ft. 0 in. - 5 ft. 0 in.
    Width: 1 ft. 0 in. - 2 ft. 0 in.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Herbaceous Perennial
    Ornamental Grasses and Sedges
    Habit/Form:
    Clumping
    Erect
    Growth Rate:
    Rapid
    Maintenance:
    Low
    Texture:
    Fine
  • Cultural Conditions:
    Light:
    Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
    Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
    Soil Texture:
    Clay
    Soil Drainage:
    Good Drainage
    Moist
    Occasionally Dry
    Occasionally Wet
    Very Dry
    Available Space To Plant:
    12 inches-3 feet
    NC Region:
    Coastal
    Mountains
    Piedmont
    USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
    4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b, 11a, 11b
  • Fruit:
    Fruit Color:
    Cream/Tan
    Display/Harvest Time:
    Fall
    Fruit Type:
    Caryopsis
    Fruit Description:
    Seed in the form of grain
  • Flowers:
    Flower Color:
    Cream/Tan
    Gold/Yellow
    Green
    Purple/Lavender
    Flower Value To Gardener:
    Good Cut
    Good Dried
    Long Bloom Season
    Showy
    Flower Bloom Time:
    Fall
    Spring
    Summer
    Winter
    Flower Description:
    Loosely feathered, subtly purplish inflorescence appear in early summer. Become narrow, vertical, buff, colored plumes by late summer. Remain attractive most of the winter.
  • Leaves:
    Leaf Color:
    Green
    Hairs Present:
    No
    Leaf Length:
    > 6 inches
    Leaf Description:
    Large, dense, erect clumps of narrow, flattened, green leaves from which rise stiffly upright flowering stalks in summer.
  • Stem:
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Container
    Recreational Play Area
    Landscape Theme:
    Children's Garden
    Rain Garden
    Design Feature:
    Accent
    Border
    Mass Planting
    Attracts:
    Butterflies
    Songbirds
    Resistance To Challenges:
    Black Walnut
    Deer
    Drought
    Erosion
    Pollution
    Rabbits
    Wet Soil