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Calamagrostis brachytricha

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Kemper Code:  V360

Common Name: reed grass
Zone: 4 to 9
Plant Type: Ornamental grass
Family: Poaceae
Missouri Native: No
Native Range: Central to eastern Asia
Height: 3 to 4 feet
Spread: 2 to 3 feet
Bloom Time: September - November   Bloom Data
Bloom Color: Pink tinged
Sun: Full sun
Water: Medium
Maintenance: Low


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Plant Culture and Characteristics

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  Uses:       Wildlife:   Flowers:   Leaves:   Fruit:
Hedge Suitable as annual Attracts birds Has showy flowers Leaves colorful Has showy fruit
Shade tree Culinary herb Attracts Has fragrant flowers Leaves fragrant Fruit edible
Street tree Vegetable   hummingbirds Flowers not showy Good fall color   Other:
Flowering tree Water garden plant Attracts Good cut flower Evergreen Winter interest
Gr. cover (<1') Will naturalize   butterflies Good dried flower     Thorns or spines

General Culture:

Easily grown in average, medium to wet soils, in full sun. Does well in heavy clay soils, unlike many of the other ornamental grasses. Soils should be kept moist and not allowed to dry out. Blooms in light shade, and appreciates some afternoon shade in hot summer climates. Cut clumps to the ground in late winter just before the new shoots appear.

Noteworthy Characteristics:

This species of reed grass is a slowly-spreading, clump-forming, warm season ornamental grass which features a mound of narrow, stiff, green leaves (1/4 to 5/8" wide) typically growing to 2' tall and as wide. Pinkish tinged flower plumes appear in late summer atop stems rising well above the foliage clump to 4' tall. Plumes mature to a light tan as the seeds ripen, but tend to disintegrate by early winter. Foliage turns yellowish beige in fall. Also sometimes sold C. arundinacea var. brachytricha. Also sometimes commonly called foxtail grass, feather reed grass or Korean feather reed grass in reference to the feathery flower/seed plumes.

Problems: Click for detailed list of pests and problems.

No serious insect or disease problems.

Uses:

Mass, group or accent. Also effective in moist locations such as low spots or along streams or ponds.

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