Calamagrostis epigejos

RHS Plant Profile
wood small reed

Other common names

bush grass, common wood reed, feathertop grass, writing reed, mawnwellt

Grass Like

A clump-forming, perennial grass with an erect habit up to 2m in height. It has mid-green linear, strap-like leaves up to 1.4m in height. Flowering occurs from July to August, producing dense, narrow, yellowish-brown panicles that are 15-30 cm long

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

1.5-2.5 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
1–2 years
Max Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height
1.5-2.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Clay Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H6

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Poaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
Yes
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Tufted
Genus
Calamagrostis are robust rhizomatous perennial grasses, forming tufts of linear leaves, with erect stems bearing dense branching flowering panicles in summer
Name Status
Correct

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in humus-rich but well drained soil in full sun. See Creating wildflower meadows for further advice

Propagation

Propagate by sowing seeds outdoors or divide in spring

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Wildflower meadow
  • Wildlife gardens

Pruning

For more information see our page on how to cut back deciduous grasses

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free