Feather Reed Grass

Feather Reed Grass (Calamagrostis × acutiflora) is a clump-forming ornamental grass prized for its upright, arching foliage and airy, oat-like flower plumes. In early to mid-summer, slender stalks topped with feathery, wheat-coloured seed heads rise gracefully above the green blades, adding vertical structure and movement to borders, mass plantings or meadow gardens. Thriving in full sun to part shade and preferring consistently moist, well-drained soil, it’s low-maintenance and deer-resistant. Hardy in Canadian zones 3–9, simply cut back to the ground in late winter or early spring to renew vigour.

Key Features
• Botanical name: Calamagrostis × acutiflora
• Common name: Feather Reed Grass
• Hardiness zones: Canada Zone 3–9
• Exposure: Full sun to part shade
• Soil: Moist, well-drained; tolerates clay, loam or sandy soils
• Height: 1.2–1.8 m (4–6 ft)
• Width: 45–60 cm (18–24 in)
• Foliage: Slender, arching green blades turning golden in autumn
• Flower colour: Wheat-coloured, feathery plumes
• Bloom time: Early to mid summer (June–July)
• Maintenance: Low; cut back in late winter or early spring
• Advantages: Architectural vertical accent; adds movement and texture; excellent for erosion control and mass planting