Description
Calamagrostis x acutiflora ‘Karl Foerster’, commonly known as Feather Reed Grass, is a striking ornamental grass renowned for its tall, upright growth habit and feathery, golden plumes that emerge in early summer and persist into winter, providing year-round visual interest. Developed in Germany by Karl Foerster in the mid-20th century, this hardy cool-season grass has become a staple in landscapes for its architectural form, tolerance to a wide range of soils, and low maintenance requirements. It typically reaches heights of 4 to 6 feet with narrow, blue-green foliage that transitions to a warm bronze in fall, making it a versatile choice for borders, mass plantings, and erosion control. Feather Reed Grass is celebrated for its adaptability in USDA zones 4 through 9, its resistance to deer and drought, and its ability to sway elegantly in the breeze, adding dynamic movement to garden designs. Recognized for its garden performance and ornamental value, ‘Karl Foerster’ has earned accolades from horticultural societies and remains one of the most popular and widely planted ornamental grasses in North America and Europe.