Ornamental grass
Karl Foerster Feather Reed Grass
Calamagrostis × acutiflora 'Karl Foerster'
The vertical exclamation point: wheat plumes by June that stand until February. Sterile.
- Deer-resistant
Quick facts
- Hardiness
- USDA zones 4–9
- Water
- Low once established
- Sun
- Full sun to Part sun
- Size
- 3–5 ft tall × 18–30 in. wide
- Bloom & interest
- Pinkish plumes in early summer ripen to upright wheat-gold spikes that stand into winter
- Plant type
- Ornamental grass
- Native range
- Not native to the US (non-invasive garden plant)
Why we recommend it
A Perennial Plant of the Year (2001) prized for its strict vertical golden plumes and four-season structure, tolerating clay and staying upright through wind. Sterile, so it never self-sows.
Best regions: Front RangeGreat BasinHigh DesertTexas
How to grow it
Watering to establish
Water weekly the first season; established clumps want a deep soak every 2–3 weeks in hot, dry summers (it is less drought-proof than native grasses).
Pruning
Cut to 4–6 in. in late winter; it is a cool-season grass and starts growing early.
Soil
Adaptable, including clay; tolerates moister spots than most xeric grasses.
Pairs well with
Read more
Where to buy
Shop Karl Foerster Feather Reed Grass from trusted growers. For the best selection of xeric plants, try a mail-order specialist or ask a local independent nursery.
- High Country Gardens (opens in a new tab)Xeric specialist
- Nature Hills Nursery (opens in a new tab)Wide selection
- American Meadows (opens in a new tab)Perennials & seeds
- Etsy (opens in a new tab)Small growers
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