Calamagrostis x acutiflora 'Karl Foerster' (Feather Reed Grass)

Calamagrostis x acutiflora 'Karl Foerster' is an ornamental, cool-season grass, with plumes of purplish wheat-colored flowers on stems up to five to six feet tall in late spring. The plant spreads slowly through rhizomes, and won't self-sow because of its sterile seeds. 'Karl Foerster' grows best in moist, nutrient-rich soils that don't dry out. Clumps of dead grass should be cut back in winter or early spring before new shoots begin growing to maintain its appearance.

Calamagrostis x acutiflora 'Karl Foerster' is the parent cultivar of two other cultivars of more compact, dwarf feather reed grass: 'Overdam,' which is characterized by variegation with white outsides and green insides, and 'Avalanche,' which is characterized by an opposite variegation pattern; all three selections make for excellent additions to the home landscape, and although Calamagrostis is not a native plant, its attractive appearance and non-invasive behavior make it a great choice for a variety of home landscapes.