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

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.