Calamagrostis epigejos

Calamagrostis epigejos (20/10/2012, Kew gardens, London)

Position: Full sun to light shade

Flowering period: Late summer to autumn

Soil: Moist, well drained

Eventual Height: 1.2m

Eventual Spread: 60cm

Hardiness: 3a, 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a

Family: Poaceae

Calamagrostis epigejos is a upright, clump forming, deciduous perennial grass. Its mid green leaves are strap shaped and are up to 70cm long and 14mm broad. Its light brown flowers appear in the form of dense narrow spikes which are up to 35cm long, sometimes they are tinged with purple. Its roots are rhizomes which aids its spread.

Calamagrostis epigejos, commonly known as Wood Small Reed or Bush Grass, is native to most of Europe (including the UK), parts of Asia and parts of Africa. In its native habitat it grows in damp woods, ditches, sheltered sea cliffs and and dunes.

Calamagrostis epigejos Flower (20/10/2012, Kew gardens, London)

The etymological root of the binomial name Calamagrostis is from the Greek Kalamos meaning ‘reed’ and agros meaning ‘field’. Epigejos is derived from the Greek epigeios meaning

The landscape architect may find Calamagrostis epigejos useful as part of a prairie type planting scheme.  Once established this grass is drought tolerant. This grass is tolerant of maritime exposure.

Ecologically, Calamagrostis epigejos seeds are attractive to some birds during the winter months.

Calamagrostis epigejos prefers moist, fertile, well-drained soils. It tolerates most pH of soil. It will tolerate wet soils.

Calamagrostis epigejos requires little maintenance. As this grass may readily go to seed, seed heads may be removed to restrict its spread.