Find a plant:

OR Browse All Plants


Genus Calamagrostis (Reed grass, Smallweed)

Calamagrostis Calamagrostis acutiflora 'Karl Foerster' Photo/Illustration: Michelle Gervais
kal-ah-mah-GROS-tiss Common Name: Reed grass, Smallweed
The genus Calamagrostis is made up of tufted, rhizomatous, perennial grasses found in moist woodlands and meadows. These plants have linear, flat leaves with ornamental displays of dense flowerheads.
 Noteworthy characteristics: Sturdy grasses with dense branching panicles of flowerheads.
 Care: Grow in moist soil in sun to part shade. Tolerates all but the poorest soil. Cut down old foliage in spring to renew plant.
 Propagation: Divide in mid-spring.
 Problems: Ergot, powdery mildew, tar spot, smut, and foot rot can occur.

Species, varieties and cultivars for genus Calamagrostis

Calamagrostis × acutiflora 'Karl Foerster' Calamagrostis × acutiflora 'Karl Foerster'
(Feather reed grass) (2 user reviews)
Hardiness Zones: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

Gardeners love this plant for its handsome, thin, vertical green foliage from spring through fall and for its wonderful flowers, which start out pink and then change to a fine tawny color with the cool days of autumn. 'Karl Foerster' reaches 6 feet high and 6 feet wide. Use in a border.