Reed Grasses

Feather Reed Grass

• Feather reed grass (Calamagrostis acutiflora) is an upright, clump-forming ornamental grass. This reed grows natively in the U.S. in wetland areas throughout USDA hardiness zones 5 to 9. Homeowners use it as a perennial border plant. It is also a popular specimen to add a natural look to water gardens and ponds. The plant flowers are feathery in character. Colors start white to a light reddish-pink and change to a buff color from autumn through winter.

Karl Foerster

• Calamagrostis acutiflora cv. Karl Foerster is a distinctive ornamental reed grass. Horticulturalists refer to this cultivar as the "perpetual motion grass" because the slightest breeze causes it to sway. In 2001, it was awarded the title of Perennial Plant of the Year by the prestigious Perennial Plant Association. The cultivar was introduced by horticulturalist Karl Foerster in 1950. The plant is popular with home gardeners and landscape designers because of its character, structure and low-maintenance qualities. Foliage is shiny and green, and the reed grows up to 3 feet tall. The stems shoot from the center and have light pink flowers that change to golden tan in fall. The plant is hardy from USDA zones 4 through 9 and thrives best in well-drained soils, but it will tolerate clay and dry conditions with fertilization.

Korean Feather Reed Grass

• Korean feather reed grass (Stipa brachytricha) is a different species of feather reed grass native to portions of East Asia. It is a cool-season reed primarily used as an ornamental grass for home landscapes, and is popular for planting to provide fall foliage, color and structure to gardens and landscapes. At maturity, Korean feather reed grass will reach a height of 3 to 4 feet. When planted in an area that receives full sun, it will stand stately and upright. In a shaded location, it will sway and billow with the breeze. Korean feather reed grass is hardy in zones 5 through 9 in the U.S. It will adapt to a variety of sun and soil conditions, but thrives best in moist soil.

Reed Canarygrass

• Reed Canarygrass (Phalaris arundinacea) is a tall-growing perennial. Canarygrass is among the most drought-tolerant of all cool-season reed grasses. Left unpruned, canarygrass can grow up to 6 feet tall. In nature, it is found in upland areas, and grows natively in hardiness zones 4 through 9, as far north as Minnesota and as far south as Texas and Florida. Canarygrass is also grown agriculturally on pastures as forage feed for livestock and to prevent soil erosion.