2021-2022 Hoffman Nursery Catalog of Grasses

CALAMAGROSTIS
CALAMAGROSTIS
Calamagrostis comes from the Greek kalamsos (reed) and agrostis (a kind of grass), hence the
common name “reed grass.” Found in Europe, northern Asia, and Central and North America, the
genus includes roughly 250 species. Our selections are anchored by best-selling C. x acutiflora
‘Karl Foerster’, an interspecific hybrid named for the eminent German plantsman.
Calamagrostis brachytricha
KOREAN FEATHER REED GRASS
One of the few ornamental grasses that blooms
in partial shade. A beautiful specimen and
showy in masses with its pink, feathery plumes.
Grows in a 3’, fountain-like mound. In full sun,
does best with sufficient moisture. Botanical
sources suggest this plant is best included under
C. arundinacea, a highly variable, wide-ranging
species. Plantsman Cassian Schmidt has proposed
designating it C. arundinacea ‘Richard
Lighty’ to distinguish it from other variants and to
honor Dr. Lighty who selected it. For now, we’ll
leave the name as is and revisit in future listings.
Warm season, green, 3’, 4’ with blooms, sunshade,
dry-moist, flowers early fall, Zones 4-9,
Origin: East Asia
Calamagrostis brachytricha
Calamagrostis x acutiflora ‘Avalanche’
VARIEGATED FEATHER REED GRASS
A form of C. x acutiflora ‘Karl Foerster’ with
vivid variegation: deep-green edges and white
centers. Grows in a neat clump through early
summer, then silver plumes shoot above. A
cool-season grass, it seems to be stable in the
summer heat at our nursery. Mix with perennials
or plant in masses. Discovered by plantsman
Steve Schmidt.
Cool season, green-white variegated, 2’, 5’ with
blooms, sun, average-moist, flowers late spring,
Zones 4-8, Origin: Europe
Calamagrostis x acutiflora ‘Avalanche’
28 We grow good grass! ®