PlantFiles: Karl Foerster's Feather Reed Grass, Feather Reed Grass
Calamagrostis acutiflora 'Karl Foerster'

I have two groups of three of these. They are about five years old and get bigger every year. I'm neutral to negative on them because they do not stand up to any rain or wind. Once flattened by a single downpour or gust, they never recover. I have to cut them down because they are a flattened mess. I tried using peony hoops when they emerged this spring, but they are just too big and heavy. And sometimes the centers rot, making them grow in donut shapes.

Looks good in all seasons. Adds vertical interest. Love to watch/hear the seed spike sway in the breeze. For a grass it tends to stay in its clump rather than spreading all over like some of them do.

This ornamental grass is great. I have 2 of these and they grow like there is no tomorrow. They even take transplanting well. I didn't know if you were supposed to cut the old reeds off or not so this spring I cut them back. Hopefully they will get new reeds on them this year. The reeds are beautiful and very showy. I love to hear the reeds moving on breezy summer days.

This grass is indestructible and will grow anywhere you plant it. It handles all soil types and the bitter winter winds on my property don't faze it.

I have it along a chainlink fence to hide the fence; it is the perfect height to provide a bit of privacy, but still be able to visit. I have it in a fair amount of shade under a maple tree, so it doesn't get as tall. My information says it is hardy in zones 4-9. Blooms early June in my garden.

This is a nice looking grass that stays in place and tolerates a wide variety of conditions.

This upright, arching grass grows 2 to 3 feet round with showy flower spikes rising 3 feet above the foliage. Green with red bronze tones turn golden in the fall. Good in meadows and open woodlands - it likes a rich moist sunny location and can tolerate heavy soil and heat with water. Good vertical accent plant.

I am adding another positive for this great grass. It is beautiful, tough, early to start each spring and beautiful all winter long until haircut time. I have two beautiful clumps near my pond which is above ground 18 inches for me to sit on to play with the fish and keep my water lilies looking nice. The grasses make it look natural without hiding the pond.

I put this and the "overdam" variety in places all over. It stands by itself well as well as accents other beds. Use it to hide an ugly A/C or give a blank wall or fence some class.

This ornamental grass provides much-needed winter interest in my Wisconsin (U.S.) location. Its vertical growth habit provides an interesting backdrop for other plantings while doubling as a living wind barrier when planted in groupings. I am particularly delighted to see the number of stages the seed heads go through. Airy and open with a pink cast to golden and vertical. This has been an excellant performer for me in Green Bay, Wisconsin.