Calamagrostis emodensis

Himalayan Feather Reed Grass Poaceae

An elegant, relatively uncommon Feather Reed Grass from the mountains of Asia, Calamagrostis emodensis is rather more refined than the name might suggest. It forms upright clumps of narrow, fresh-green leaves, above which slender flowering stems carry airy, finely branched panicles that emerge greenish-purple before becoming soft, silvery-bronze with age. The flowerheads have a pleasingly light, almost shimmering quality and move readily in the breeze without collapsing into untidy hay. Native from the Himalayas through parts of China, it occurs in open grassland, forest margins and other montane habitats.

Best in sun or light shade and a reasonably fertile, moisture-retentive but well-drained soil, it is an excellent choice for naturalistic planting, woodland edges and mixed borders. A useful alternative to the more ubiquitous Calamagrostis × acutiflora cultivars.

Origin: Himalayas and montane regions of China and adjacent Asia.
Flowering: June–August
Hardiness: H5, approximately −15 to −10°C
Height: 100–150 cm
Spread: 60–90 cm