Pocket BotanistPlant guide
Feather Reed Grass.
Calamagrostis x acutiflora
Pronounced kal-uh-mag-REST-iss a-kew-ti-FLOR-uh
Also known as Calamagrostis x acutiflora
This ornamental grass is known for its upright, narrow habit and feathery plumes that provide winter interest. It's a popular choice for adding vertical structure to gardens and landscapes. It generally stays tidy and doesn't spread aggressively.
At a glance
- Care level
- Easy
- Plant type
- Perennial ornamental grass
- Light
- Full sun
- Indoor light
- direct
- Water
- Every 7 to 14 days
- Mature size
- 4-5 feet tall and 1.5-2 feet wide
- Growth rate
- medium
- Hardiness
- USDA 4 to 9
- Bloom time
- Mid-summer to fall
Care
Plant in well-draining soil and provide consistent moisture, especially when young. Cut back old foliage in late winter or early spring before new growth emerges. It tolerates a range of conditions once established.
- Watering
- Water regularly during the growing season, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings. Reduce watering in fall and winter.
- Feeding
- Generally does not require regular fertilization; a light feeding in spring is sufficient if needed.
- Pruning
- Cut back all dried foliage to about 2-4 inches above the ground in late winter or early spring, before new growth begins.
- Repotting
- Division is the best way to propagate and rejuvenate clumps; do this in early spring.
- Soil
- Prefers well-draining soil; adaptable to various soil types.
- Soil pH
- Slightly acidic to neutral (6.0-7.0)
- Temperature
- -34.4 to 32.2°C
- Humidity
- 30 to 60%
How to identify it
- Upright, clumping growth habit
- Narrow, arching leaves
- Feathery, pinkish-bronze flower plumes
- Plumes turn golden-tan in fall
- Durable in winter weather
- Height
- 1.2 to 1.5m
- Spread
- 0.45 to 0.6m
- Leaves
- Green, evergreen
- Flowers
- Pinkish-bronze, Golden-tan
Growing it
- Propagation
- Division, Seed
- When to plant
- Spring, Fall
Science
- Family
- Poaceae
- Genus
- Calamagrostis
- Order
- Poales
- Class
- Liliopsida
Through the year
Taxonomy resolved against GBIF.
Is your feather reed grass looking unwell?
This page is a general guide. Pocket Botanist diagnoses problems from a photo of your actual plant, works out watering for your light and conditions, and reminds you when care is due.
This guide was generated with AI and checked against GBIF taxonomy. It is general information, not horticultural or veterinary advice. Read about how we build these guides.