Family
Poaceae
Botanical Name
Calamagrostis foliosa
Plant Common Name
Cape Mendocino Reedgrass, Leafy Reedgrass
General Description
Cape Mendocino reedgrass, native to the northern coast of California (considered rare), is a compact, perennial grass grown for its graceful blue-green, grassy foliage and arching sprays of cream seedheads which bloom in the spring and summer. Because this grass blooms so early, it provides a beautiful contrast with the foliage. It retains its foliage color and seedheads into the winter for added late season interest.
Grow Cape Mendocino reedgrass in dappled sun to full sun in well-drained, acidic, even sandy soil. Once established, it is drought tolerant and is said to be resistant to deer, wind, and pollution. Cut the grass down in the late winter before the new foliage starts to grow. Enjoy this compact grass as an accent plant or plant it in rock gardens, the mixed border, or containers. Keep its winter interest in mind.
Characteristics
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AHS Heat Zone
9 - 1
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USDA Hardiness Zone
7 - 9
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Sunset Zone
4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21
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Plant Type
Perennial
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Sun Exposure
Full Sun, Partial Sun
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Height
1'-2' / 0.3m - 0.6m
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Width
2'-3' / 0.6m - 0.9m
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Bloom Time
Late Spring, Early Summer, Summer
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Native To
California
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Showy
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Flower Color
White
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Blue Green
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Foliage Color (Summer)
Blue Green, Gray Green
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Foliage Color (Fall)
Blue Green, Gray Green
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Foliage Color (Winter)
Blue Green, Gray Green
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Fragrant Flowers
No
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Fragrant Fruit
No
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Fragrant Foliage
No
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Bark or Stem Fragrant
No
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Repeat Bloomer
No
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Showy Fruit
No
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Showy Foliage
No
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Foliage Texture
Fine
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Foliage Sheen
Matte
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Evergreen
Semi-Evergreen
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Showy Bark
No
