Korean Feather Reed Grass

Korean feather reed grass is a clump-forming ornamental grass with glossy green leaves and airy, pink-tinted plumes. The stems rise above the foliage in late summer; the plumes turn light tan as seed develops and hold a loose, feathery shape into fall. ## Growth and siting The [North Carolina Extension Plant Toolbox](https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/calamagrostis-arundinacea/) treats Calamagrostis brachytricha as a synonym of C. arundinacea and describes the Korean grass as an upright, arching clump with 3–4 foot flowering stems and a 2–3 foot spread. It prefers full sun, with afternoon shade in hot climates, and moist to wet soil; the extension notes that it also grows in heavy clay. The source lists USDA zones 4a–9b. A four-year [Chicago Botanic Garden trial](https://www.chicagobotanic.org/sites/default/files/2023-12/FG213_High-ranking%20Reed%20Grasses.pdf) measured this species at 53 inches tall by 46 inches wide and lists USDA zones 4–9. ## Garden use Plant it in groups, as an accent, or near water where consistently moist soil is available. The open plumes remain decorative as they dry and can be used in fresh or dried arrangements. Leave room for a mature clump rather than placing it where it must be trimmed often. ## Maintenance Cut the clump to the ground in late winter before new shoots appear. Divide the clump to propagate or renew it. Keep the soil moist during growth; the extension cautions against letting it dry out.