Calamagrostis nutkaensis

Also Known As

Calamagrostis nootkatensis
Pacific Reed Grass

Plant type

perennial, grass / grass like

size

H: 2'-5'
W: 3'-6'

planting zones

7a-11

More Options

Calamagrostis nutkaensis plant details

Calamagrostis nutkaensis is a deciduous perennial grass (or grassy in appearance) with green foliage. In summer tan flowers emerge. Features grassy texture. Grows well with sun - shade and regular - low water. Drought tolerant once established. Prefers to be dry in summer. Adapts to various soil conditions. Does well in average, clay, gritty and rocky soil. A good option if you're seeking something for erosion control, seaside / salt tolerant, verticillium wilt resistant and wind tolerant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Calamagrostis nutkaensis

Plant type: perennial grass (or grassy in appearance)
Plant family: poaceae
Foliage: deciduous green
Mature size: 3 FT - 6 FT - wide, 2 FT - 5 FT - tall
Flowers: tan blooms in summer
Uses: easy-to-grow, rock garden

GROWING CONDITIONS for Calamagrostis nutkaensis

USDA Zones: 7a - 11
Sun exposure: sun - shade
Watering frequency: regular - low
Resistant to: deer and rabbit, erosion, seaside / salt, verticillium wilt and wind
Soil needs: average, clay, gritty and rocky

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Swaying 2 feet above the grassy blades, purplish new flower spikes mature to a golden wheat color. Good for meadows, erosion control and coastal settings

By: Cactus Jungle

This large perennial bunchgrass grows up to 5' tall with striking linear flowering stalks. A bold dramatic grass for a coastal grassland or rock garden. Very striking in a container. The glossy and gracefully curved leaves make this one of our most dramatic native grasses. Tolerates full sun along the coast, place in part to full shade inland. Flowers in June and July. From Monterey County north to Alaska Tolerant of many soil types, this large bunchgrass readily resows, making it a good stabilizer for creek banks. No historical uses found. Found in found in moist places and swamps and coastal forests. Communitites located in Closed-cone Pine Forest, Redwood Forest, Mixed Evergreen Forest, Freshwater Wetlands, wetland-riparian Between 0 and 3280 feet.

By: The Watershed Nursery

A cool-season grass hailing from the North Coast of California and from as far away as Alaska, this is a moisture-loving species that?grows 2-3' tall with showy flower spikes held 1-2' above the foliage. These flower spikes unfurl in April and May with a purplish cast and fade with age to an eye-catching flaxen color. Highly adaptable, Pacific reed grass shows tolerance for many conditions including heavy or rocky soils, salt spray, wind and even summer drought. We have used this species in shady areas under coast live oaks and Catalina ironwoods where it has thrived. Provide full sun along the coast or part shade inland. Plants may develop rust during wet summer weather, but will grow out of it the following season. Hardy to 5F. California.

By: Native Sons

Garden photo gallery of Calamagrostis nutkaensis

Photo of Calamagrostis nutkaensis by Cactus Jungle

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By: Cactus Jungle

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Gardening facts about Calamagrostis nutkaensis plant

How to Grow Calamagrostis nutkaensis

Sun Exposure
- sun - shade
Water Needs
- regular - drought tolerant
Water Needs
- dry in summer
Soil Needs
- clay
- adaptable
- average
- rocky
- gritty
Special Situation
- seaside / salt tolerant
- erosion control
- wind tolerant
- verticillium wilt resistant