Calamagrostis brachytricha – Korean Feather Reed Grass is a graceful, ornamental grass that produces soft, pinkish-purple plumes in late summer to fall. This clump-forming, deciduous perennial thrives in sun to partial shade, making it more versatile than many other ornamental grasses. Its arching, fountain-like foliage creates a beautiful texture in garden beds, borders, and naturalized landscapes. Unlike Calamagrostis acutiflora ‘Karl Foerster’, this variety is more tolerant of shade and wetter soils. Its feathery plumes turn a warm golden hue in fall, adding seasonal interest well into winter. Calamagrostis brachytricha is deer-resistant, low-maintenance, and drought-tolerant, making it an excellent choice for modern gardens, prairie plantings, and eco-friendly landscapes.

Why Choose Calamagrostis brachytricha – Korean Feather Reed Grass?

• Showy, Feathery Plumes: Soft, pinkish-purple flowers transition to golden tones in fall.
• Tolerates Partial Shade & Moist Soils: Adaptable to different conditions, unlike many sun-loving ornamental grasses.
• Low-Maintenance & Deer-Resistant: Thrives in a variety of soil types with minimal care.

Cultivating Tips:

• Grows best in full sun to partial shade.
• Prefers moist, well-drained soil, though it tolerates periods of drought once established.
• Cut back in late winter to early spring to encourage fresh growth.

Design Ideas for Your Garden:

Calamagrostis brachytricha is perfect for mixed borders, woodland edges, and mass plantings. Its soft, arching form pairs beautifully with late-season perennials like goldenrod, coneflowers, and asters. Use it as a natural privacy screen or in rain gardens, as it tolerates moist conditions better than most ornamental grasses.

Ecological Benefits:

While Calamagrostis brachytricha is not a native species, its dense growth provides shelter for wildlife, and its plumes offer late-season food sources for birds. Additionally, its deep root system helps prevent soil erosion, making it a sustainable choice for eco-friendly gardens.

Since Calamagrostis brachytricha is not a native species, consider these native alternatives available at Bumbee’s:

• Schizachyrium scoparium – Little Bluestem – A 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 woodland gardens.