Diamond Grass Calamagrostis brachytricha

Calamagrostis brachytricha, or Korean Feather Reed Grass, is an ornamental, warm season, grass with an upright, arching habit. It slowly spreads in clumps of half inch glossy, green leaves. Pink tinged tinged  plumes appear in late summer atop stems that can reach 4 feet high. The plumes mature to a light tan as the seeds ripen, but tend to disintegrate by early winter. The grass itself remains open and feathery when dry making it suitable for fresh or dry arrangements. The plant reseeds in moist shady woodlands but is manageable.

The grass is easy to grow in average, medium to wet soils, in partial shade. It will tolerate full sun with adequate moisture. It also does well in heavy clay soils, which differentiates it from other ornamental grasses and makes it a prime ornamental for North Carolina. Soils should be kept moist and not allowed to dry out. It will bloom in light shade and prefers afternoon shade in hot southern climates. To ensure good growth in the spring, cut the grass clumps to the ground in late winter before the new shoots appear.

The plant is resistant to predation by deer.

Diseases, Insects, and Other Plant Problems:

No serious insect or disease problems.