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. As a direct descendant of the 'Karl Foerster' cultivar of feather reed grass, 'Avalanche' maintains its parent cultivar's attractive narrow form, growing to 2-3' high with an average spread of about 18".

Throughout the summer months, 'Avalanche' produces large plumes of pinkish-purple flowers atop its creamy variegated foliage, and these flowers add a lot of ornamental value as well as potentially an extra 1-2' of height. Flower tufts mature to golden tan seed plumes in the fall, persisting through the winter and providing multi-season ornamental appeal as well as 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.