Feather Reed Grass

Calamagrostis ×acutiflora (Schrad.) Rchb.

Feather Reed Grass is a lovely plant with soft, feathery flowers that look like little plumes. It grows in clumps and is great for gardens!

Habitat: Wetlands and meadows

Appearance

The Feather Reed Grass has tall, narrow clumps of vibrant green foliage. Its most striking feature is the upright, feathery plumes that emerge purplish-pink, gradually changing to golden-tan, and remaining attractive well into winter.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaFamilyPoaceaeGenusCalamagrostis

Feather Reed Grass

Interesting facts

Even in winter, its golden plumes shimmer and catch the sunlight beautifully.

Its tall, slender form makes it look like a living exclamation mark in gardens.

Many varieties are named 'Karl Foerster' after a famous German horticulturist.

This grass is a hybrid, a mix of two different parent grasses!

Special abilities

Feather Reed Grass has strong, upright stems that remain standing through winter, providing lasting garden interest.

Its flexible stems and airy plumes allow it to sway gracefully in the breeze, preventing damage from strong winds.

Feather Reed Grass has deep, fibrous roots that help it tolerate various soil types and even some drought conditions.

Measurements & details

Height: 90-180 cm
Spread: 60-90 cm
Bloom Season: Summer to fall
Is Edible: No
Toxicity: None
Lifecycle: Perennial
Pollination Method: Wind

Ecological connections

shelters

Dark-eyed Junco

Junco hyemalis

finds winter cover among its sturdy stems.

shelters

Meadow Vole

Microtus pennsylvanicus

builds nests and hides at its base.

eaten by

White-tailed Deer

Odocoileus virginianus

browses young blades, especially in spring.

Traits

Grass-Like

These plants have long, slender leaves and often grow in clumps, looking very similar to grasses, even if they're not true grasses themselves. They bring a delicate texture to the landscape!

Shade Tolerant

Discover plants that love to live in the shadows, growing beautifully and happily even in spots where the sun doesn't shine all day long.

Wetland

These fascinating areas are covered by water for at least part of the year, creating a perfect home for unique plants and animals, like marshes and swamps.