Species Plains Reedgrass
yellow-white flowers on light-green stems and gray branches

Plains Reedgrass

Calamagrostis montanensis

Plains Reedgrass (Calamagrostis montanensis) is a tufted, cool-season perennial grass that is native to meadows and hillsides of North America. Its slender, erect stems can reach up to 5 feet in height and have light green foliage. The grass produces tiny, purplish-green flower spikes during the spring and early summer. The foliage turns yellow in the fall and winter. This hardy grass can tolerate occasional flooding and full sun exposure. Plains Reedgrass can be grown along borders of native ornamental grasses, in meadows, and as part of a naturalized garden. It provides food and nesting sites for many birds and wildlife.

Watering:

Frequent

Propagation:

Seed Propagation,Division,Cutting,Layering Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

Sun:

Sun

Soil:

Sand

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green,tan

Growth Rate:

Low

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

watering

Plains Reedgrass (Calamagrostis montanensis) should be watered deeply once a week during hot, dry weather. When watering, it is important to soak the soil to the root zone, approximately 8-10 inches deep. During cool weather, watering can be reduced, but during hot weather it is important to keep it consistently moist, without over-saturating the soil. In addition to regular watering, give the grass an occasional deep soaking--no more than once a month--to help the roots reach deeper into the soil. Following regular watering, allow the grass to dry completely, which helps to stave off disease.

sunlight

Plains Reedgrass requires full sun to partial shade for optimal growth and development. It should receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. The optimal amount of sunlight is 8-10 hours of direct sunlight each day. The best time for Plains Reedgrass to receive the most sunlight is from mid-morning to late afternoon. Avoid direct sunlight in the early morning and late evening as this can scorch the plant.

pruning

Plains Reedgrass (Calamagrostis montanensis) should be pruned once a year in fall or winter. Generally, cut the tips of the old flowering stems down to the basal foliage. This will promote new growth and allow the plant to maintain a tidy appearance. Additionally, pruning away the dead and damaged stems can help the plant to better retain moisture and increase the overall health of the plant.