Calamagrostis brachytricha

Korean Feather Reed Grass

Calamagrostis brachytricha is one of the few ornamental grasses that blooms in partial shade. It’s a beautiful specimen plant and looks stunning in masses where its foliage and plumes are always ready to catch the slightest breeze. It tolerates hot summers and produces pink, feathery blooms on tall stalks. Foliage grows in a three-foot, fountain-like mound. Grouped in masses, Korean Feather Reed Grass creates a relaxing, picturesque look in the landscape. It is important to give Calamagrostis brachytricha a good start by watering well at initial planting. Supply additional irrigation the first season, and thereafter it should do well on its own.

Botanical sources suggest this plant is best included under C. arundinacea, a variable, wide-ranging species. Plantsman Cassian Schmidt proposes designating it C. arundinacea ‘Richard Lighty’ to distinguish it from other variants and to honor Dr. Lighty who selected it. Until the name is more widely used, we’ll leave it as is.