Calamagrostis acutiflora ‘Karl Foerster’ – Feather Reed Grass is an ornamental, clump-forming perennial grass known for its upright, architectural form and golden wheat-like plumes that last through multiple seasons. This cold-hardy, low-maintenance grass thrives in full sun and adapts to a wide range of soils, including moist and clay-heavy conditions. Karl Foerster provides year-round visual interest, with lush green foliage in spring and summer that transitions to golden tones in fall and winter. Its tall, narrow growth habit makes it ideal for borders, privacy screens, and mass plantings. This deer-resistant, drought-tolerant, and erosion-controlling grass is a favorite in modern landscapes and prairie-style gardens.

Why Choose Calamagrostis acutiflora ‘Karl Foerster’ – Feather Reed Grass?

• Year-Round Interest: Green foliage in summer, golden seed heads in fall, and winter structure.
• Low-Maintenance & Deer-Resistant: Tolerates drought, wet soil, and poor conditions with minimal care.
• Upright, Space-Saving Growth Habit: Ideal for narrow spaces, borders, and vertical accents.

Cultivating Tips:

• Best grown in full sun for optimal growth and flowering.
• Prefers moderately moist to well-drained soil but adapts to various conditions.
• Cut back in late winter to early spring to promote fresh new growth.

Design Ideas for Your Garden:

Calamagrostis acutiflora ‘Karl Foerster’ is perfect for modern landscapes, mixed borders, and low-maintenance gardens. Use it as a natural privacy screen, windbreak, or vertical accent alongside flowering perennials like coneflowers, goldenrods, and asters. Its tall, elegant plumes create a stunning contrast against other plants, softening hardscapes and adding movement to the garden.

Ecological Benefits:

While Karl Foerster is not a native species, it provides valuable nesting material and shelter for birds and beneficial insects. Its deep root system stabilizes soil and helps prevent erosion, making it an excellent choice for eco-conscious landscapes.

Since Calamagrostis acutiflora ‘Karl Foerster’ is not a native species, consider these native alternatives available at Bumbee’s:

• Schizachyrium scoparium – Little Bluestem – A stunning native grass with blue-green summer foliage that turns copper-orange in fall.
• Panicum virgatum – Switchgrass – A tall, versatile native grass with airy seed heads that attract wildlife and add structure to gardens.
• Carex appalachica – Appalachian Sedge – A fine-textured, shade-tolerant native grass that forms soft, flowing tufts, ideal for naturalized woodland gardens and low-maintenance landscapes.