Korean feather reed grass Calamagrostis brachytricha
Korean feather reed grass (Calamagrostis brachytricha) is a deciduous perennial grass in the Poaceae family, native to East Asia. It grows 90 cm–1.2 m (35 in–3.9 ft) tall and 60–90 cm (24–35 in) wide, wants part sun to part shade and moderate water, and is hardy to about -30 °C (-22 °F). Space plants about 60 cm (24 in) apart.
Plan Korean feather reed grass in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Korean feather reed grass at a glance
| Type | Perennial grass, deciduous |
|---|---|
| Family | Poaceae |
| Mature height | 90 cm–1.2 m (35 in–3.9 ft) |
| Mature spread | 60–90 cm (24–35 in) |
| Spacing | 60 cm (24 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Part sun to part shade, at least 3 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance moderate, waterlogging tolerance low |
| Soil pH | 5.5–7.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -30 °C (-22 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 4) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 34 °C (93 °F) |
| Flowering | from about August for 9–14 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Moderate |
| Pollinator value | None |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | East Asia |
| Common in gardens of | 🇰🇷 South Korea, 🇯🇵 Japan, 🇨🇳 China, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇳🇱 Netherlands |
Is Korean feather reed grass 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 Korean feather reed grass
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like part sun to part shade and moderate water.
Questions about Korean feather reed grass
- How far apart should I plant Korean feather reed grass?
- About 60 cm (24 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 60–90 cm (24–35 in).
- Does Korean feather reed grass need full sun?
- Part sun to part shade: at least 3 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Korean feather reed grass need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is moderate and waterlogging tolerance low.
- How cold-hardy is Korean feather reed grass?
- It tolerates about -30 °C (-22 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 4.
- When does Korean feather reed grass flower?
- From about August for 9–14 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Korean feather reed grass 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 Korean feather reed grass?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Korean feather reed grass. Group it with plants that like the same sun (part sun to part shade) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder, Missouri Botanical Garden
- RHS Plant Finder, Royal Horticultural Society
Notes and assumptions
- Feathery pink-tinged plumes in late summer that catch low light; one of the few ornamental grasses for part shade. Cut back in late winter.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Fountain grass Pennisetum alopecuroides
- Sweet corn Zea mays var. saccharata
- Lemongrass Cymbopogon citratus
- Clumping bamboo Fargesia murielae
- Maiden grass (miscanthus) Miscanthus sinensis
- Golden bamboo Phyllostachys aurea
- Switchgrass Panicum virgatum
- Little bluestem Schizachyrium scoparium