Calamagrostis brachytricha is a graceful clump forming ornamental grass prized for its soft fluffy pink tinged flower plumes that emerge in late summer and persist into winter. Its arching green foliage turns golden in fall adding year round interest!
Height & Spread: 36 - 48 in x 24 - 36 in
Bloom Time: Late summer to fall
Light Requirements: Part shade to full sun
Soil Preference: Moist, well drained soils; tolerant of clay and loam
Watering Needs: Moderate; prefers evenly moist soil
Deer Resistance: Generally unpalatable to deer
Native Status
Native to parts of East Asia, including Korea and China, this species is well adapted to temperate garden conditions and valued for its ornamental qualities.
WILDLIFE & INSECTS
Beneficial Insects
- Provides shelter and overwintering habitat for predatory insects such as ladybugs and lacewings among its foliage and dense bases.
Birds
- Birds forage the seed plumes in winter and use the foliage for nesting material in spring.
Spacing & Landscape Use
Spacing Recommendations
- Space 24 - 36 in apart to accommodate mature width and allow for air circulation in shaded plantings.
Landscape Placement
- Ideal for woodland edges, shaded borders, or damp meadow plantings where its late season plumes create visual interest and movement.
Companion Plants
- Actaea racemosa (Black Cohosh) - Adds tall spires of white flowers that bloom alongside the airy plumes of Calamagrostis.
- Hakonechloa macra (Japanese Forest Grass) - Offers contrasting form and texture for part shade areas with similar moisture needs.
- Gillenia trifoliata (Bowman’s Root) - Provides delicate white starry blooms and reddish stems to complement ornamental grass groupings.
- Persicaria amplexicaulis 'Firetail' - Blooms over a long season with red flower spikes that pair beautifully with feathery grasses.
- Hosta 'Guacamole' - Contributes bold foliage contrast and bright green tones to enhance grass plumes.