Michigan State University Extension
Ornamental Plants plus Version 3.0 - 00000241
11/12/99
Calamagrostis x acutiflora--Feather Reed Grass
Hardiness Zones: 4 to 8
Height: 5 ft Spacing: 2 ft
Type: herbaceous perennial
Comments: This ornamental grass (Vis. 1) can be used near
water or in other wet soils. In light, fertile soils it may
become invasive, however, the problem is less severe in
heavy soils. After flowering, the plumes can be dried or
they can be cut fresh for use in arrangements. The plumes
are produced in the fall and are white or pinkish. When
frosted the plant will turn tan and the flower heads will
persist into winter. Be sure to remove the growth from
the previous season before new growth starts in the
spring.
Propagation: Propagation is by division.
Cultivars:
brachytricha - A species with pinkish flowers. The
foliage turns yellow in the fall. Plants 3 feet tall.
'Karl Foerster' - A 5-foot tall plant (Vis. 2)with
feathery plumes (Vis. 3). Also listed as C. arundinacea
and C. x acutiflora ('Stricta')
'Oredam' ('Overdam') - The leaves have white stripes.
References for Cultivars: Walters Gardens 1999, Ray
Wiegand's Nursery 1999, Lake County Nursery 1999, Bailey
Nurseries 1999, Studebaker Nurseries 1999, Weston Nurseries
1999, White Flower Farm 1999, Berryhill Nurseries 1999,
Scarff's Nursery 1999, Midwest Groundcovers 1999, Willoway
Nurseries 1999.
This information is for educational purposes only. References
to commercial products or trade names does not imply
endorsement by MSU Extension or bias against those not
mentioned. This information becomes public property upon
publication and may be printed verbatim with credit to MSU
Extension. Reprinting cannot be used to endorse or advertise
a commercial product or company.
This file was generated from data base ZZ on 01/19/00.
Data base ZZ was last revised on 11/12/99.
For more information about this data base or its contents please contact
heatley@msue.msu.edu . Please read our
disclaimer for important
information about using our site.