Karl Foerster Grass

‘Karl Foerster’ feather reed grass forms a dense upright clump of narrow green leaves topped by narrow, feathery plumes. The flowers emerge reddish or purple-brown in early summer and mature to wheat or sandy tan, with stems that remain attractive through winter. ## Cultivar and size The [Chicago Botanic Garden profile](https://www.chicagobotanic.org/plant-information/plant-finder/calamagrostis-x-acutiflora-karl-foerster-feather-reed-grass) describes foliage clumps about 4 ft high and 3 ft wide, with flower spikes reaching about 6 ft. Its account notes early-summer flowering, winter persistence, and an upright form. ## Siting Full sun and well-drained soil with adequate moisture are ideal; light shade is tolerated. Use the grass in mass plantings, as a specimen, or to create vertical structure in a border. The flower stems provide winter interest, and the cultivar is reported sterile, so self-seeding is not expected. ## Maintenance Leave flower spikes standing through winter and cut the plant back in late winter before new growth begins. Chicago Botanic Garden describes foliage clumps about 4 ft high and 3 ft wide, with flower spikes reaching 6 ft; its comparative trial measured 66 in tall by 40 in wide ([trial results](https://www.chicagobotanic.org/sites/default/files/2023-12/FG213_High-ranking%20Reed%20Grasses.pdf)).