Calamagrostis x acutiflora 'Avalanche' (Feather Reed Grass)

Calamagrostis x acutiflora 'Avalanche' is a variegated hybrid cultivar of feather reed grass (Calamagrostis) characterized by dark green margins and a white stripe that runs through the center vein of the grass's foliage. Easily grown in a variety of different full sun locations 'Avalanche' is deer and rabbit tolerant, is not picky about soil type, and grows in a compact, clump-forming, upright habit. A direct result of a sport mutation of Calamagrostis x acutiflora 'Karl Foerster,' the 'Avalanche' cultivar maintains its parent plant's attractive narrow form, growing to 2-3' high with an average spread of only about 18".

Throughout the summer months, 'Avalanche' produces large plumes of bronzey, pink-tinted flowers atop its creamy variegated foliage, and these flowers add a lot of ornamental value as well as potentially extra height atop the grass's upright foliage. Flower tufts mature to golden tan seed plumes in the fall, persisting through the winter and providing multi-season ornamental appeal and an important food source for birds. While Calamagrostis x acutiflora 'Avalanche' is not a native selection, it is not invasive due to its seed being largely sterile.