Karl Foerster Feather Reed Grass (Calamagrostis x acutiflora 'Karl Foerster') is one of the most beloved ornamental grasses in cultivation, sold here in a #2 nursery container (approximately 2 gallons). Named after German nurseryman Karl Foerster, who discovered this plant at the Hamburg Botanical Garden in the 1930s and introduced it to commerce in 1950, it earned the prestigious 2001 Perennial Plant of the Year Award.

This cool-season perennial forms dense, narrow, upright clumps of bright green foliage reaching 2-3 feet tall and wide. In early summer, feathery flower plumes emerge on stiffly vertical stalks that tower to 5-6 feet, opening with pink to purple tinges before maturing to golden and then tan seeds that persist through winter for year-round visual interest. The striking columnar habit suits it equally well as a solo specimen, in mass plantings, or as a dramatic border backdrop.

Karl Foerster Grass is easily grown in average to consistently moist soils in full sun, and tolerates part afternoon shade in hot climates. Unusually adaptable, it thrives in heavy clay soils and tolerates erosion, wet ground, urban conditions, and even black walnut proximity. As a cool-season grass, its most vigorous growth occurs in the cooler temperatures of spring and fall. Hardy in USDA Zones 5-9, it is very low maintenance — simply cut the clumps back to the ground in late winter before new shoots emerge. The persistent seed heads attract birds and the plumes make excellent cut or dried flower arrangements.