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Key characteristics

Family: Poaceae
Height: 3-4 feet tall
Width: 2-3 feet wide
Flower color: Soft, fluffy pinkish plumes that age to silvery tan
Foliage color: Medium green leaves
Bloom time: Late summer to early fall
Light: Full sun to partial shade
Water: Medium
Maintenance: Low; cut back in late winter
Growing zone: USDA Zones 4-9
Wildlife: Attracts birds and provides winter interest

Perennials

Calamagrostis brachytricha

Korean Feather Reed Grass

Calamagrostis brachytricha, commonly known as Korean feather reed grass, is an ornamental grass valued for its soft, feathery plumes that emerge in late summer to early fall. The flower heads start off a smoky pink, gradually fading to silvery shades as they mature, creating a light, airy effect that catches the sunlight beautifully. These delicate plumes rise above the arching, green foliage, swaying gracefully in the breeze and adding movement to garden beds and borders.

Light

Full sun to partial shade

Water

Medium

Bloom time

Late summer to early fall

Find this plant

Works well in

Borders
Cottage Gardens
Bird Gardens
Cut Flower Gardens

Companion plants

Daylilies · Japanese anemones · Bleeding hearts · Catmint · Heucheras · Lady's mantle

Design tip

Late flowers extend the season, so set it behind or beside plants that finish in midsummer. It takes sun or light shade, which makes it useful along the changing light of a bed edge or a partly shaded border.