Feather Reed Grass 'Karl Foerster' (Calamagrostis x acutiflora 'Karl Foerster') is an ornamental grass known for its upright, clumping growth habit and striking vertical form. This cultivar produces tall, narrow flower plumes in late spring, which turn from a soft pinkish hue to a golden tan as they mature, persisting through the winter. The foliage is slender, green, and turns a lovely bronze in the fall, adding seasonal interest to the garden.
This grass thrives in medium-moisture, well-drained soils and prefers full sun to partial shade. It is highly adaptable to a range of soil types and is known for its tolerance of both drought and heavy, clay soils. Feather Reed Grass 'Karl Foerster' is an excellent choice for a wide variety of landscape settings, from formal garden borders to naturalistic plantings.
Ecologically, 'Karl Foerster' provides benefits to local wildlife. Its tall, dense plumes offer shelter and nesting sites for birds, while the seeds provide a food source. The plant's structure also supports beneficial insects, contributing to garden biodiversity.
In landscaping, Feather Reed Grass 'Karl Foerster' is prized for its architectural form and year-round interest. It works well as a specimen plant, in mass plantings, or as a vertical accent in mixed borders. Its tidy, upright growth makes it an ideal choice for narrow spaces or for adding structure to garden designs. By incorporating Feather Reed Grass 'Karl Foerster' into your garden, you can enjoy its elegant, vertical presence while supporting local wildlife and enhancing the ecological value of your landscape.
 
Photo: Emerson Sapienza