Feather reed grass 'Karl Foerster' Calamagrostis x acutiflora
Feather reed grass 'Karl Foerster' (Calamagrostis x acutiflora) is a deciduous perennial grass in the Poaceae family, native to Hybrid of Eurasian reed grasses, selected in Germany (cultivar 'Karl Foerster'). It grows 1.2–1.8 m (3.9–5.9 ft) tall and 50–70 cm (20–28 in) wide, wants full sun and moderate water, and is hardy to about -34 °C (-29 °F). Space plants about 60 cm (24 in) apart.
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Feather reed grass 'Karl Foerster' at a glance
| Type | Perennial grass, deciduous |
|---|---|
| Family | Poaceae |
| Mature height | 1.2–1.8 m (3.9–5.9 ft) |
| Mature spread | 50–70 cm (20–28 in) |
| Spacing | 60 cm (24 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance low, waterlogging tolerance moderate |
| Soil pH | 5.5–7.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -34 °C (-29 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 4) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 32 °C (90 °F) |
| Flowering | from about June for 6–10 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Moderate |
| Pollinator value | None |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Hybrid of Eurasian reed grasses, selected in Germany (cultivar 'Karl Foerster') |
| Common in gardens of | 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom |
Is Feather reed grass 'Karl Foerster' toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
No toxicity reported in ASPCA or standard poison references.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Feather reed grass 'Karl Foerster'
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and moderate water.
Questions about Feather reed grass 'Karl Foerster'
- How far apart should I plant Feather reed grass 'Karl Foerster'?
- About 60 cm (24 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 50–70 cm (20–28 in).
- Does Feather reed grass 'Karl Foerster' need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Feather reed grass 'Karl Foerster' need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is low and waterlogging tolerance moderate.
- How cold-hardy is Feather reed grass 'Karl Foerster'?
- It tolerates about -34 °C (-29 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 4.
- When does Feather reed grass 'Karl Foerster' flower?
- From about June for 6–10 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Feather reed grass 'Karl Foerster' poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. No toxicity reported in ASPCA or standard poison references.
- What grows well with Feather reed grass 'Karl Foerster'?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Feather reed grass 'Karl Foerster'. Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- RHS Plant Finder, Royal Horticultural Society
- Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder, Missouri Botanical Garden
- Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox, NC State Extension
Notes and assumptions
- Sterile hybrid cultivar propagated by division; does not self-seed.
- Cut back in late winter before new growth.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
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