1. * Leafy/Dwarf Reedgrass – Calamagrostis foliosa
(cal-uh-muh-GRAH-stis foh-lee-OH-suh)
Family: Poaceae (Grass Family)
Native to: Northern CA coast; uncommon on rocky, steep, sandstone bluffs and cliffs in north coast
scrub. Also in lodgepole pine and western white pine forest communities; elevation 0-4,000 feet.
perennial bunchgrass
mature height: 1-2 ft.
mature width: 1-2 ft.
Gray-green cool-season bunchgrass. It forms a beautiful, dense mound of grey green leaves that
reach 2' tall, with showy arching flower stalks to 3' tall. Purple tinge to foliage in fall – very showy;
fairly evergreen year-round. Low-growing and dense. On the CA state Rare Species list.
Growth characteristics:
Blooms/fruits:
Blooms May-Aug. Flowering stalks tan, showy, above leaves.
Uses in the garden: Used as a lawn substitute or ornamental grass. Nice choice in dry streambeds
or swales, mixed with other native grasses & annuals. Can be planted densely for good cover.
Neat & tidy-looking in mixed beds or along walkways. Interesting on slopes and banks. Tolerates
wind & seaside conditions. One of the more showy native CA grasses.
Sensible substitute for: Non-native lawns, ornamental grasses such as Fountain Grass.
Attracts: Good bird habitat: provides nesting materials and seeds for food.
Requirements:
Element
Sun
Soil
Water
Fertilizer
Other
Requirement
Part-shade is best, particularly away from coast
Well-drained; sandy or gravelly is best
Regular (best) to occasional summer water
None needed
Remove dead leaves with a rake yearly.
5 years. DO NOT SHEAR.
Management:
Propagation: from seed: easy
by cuttings:
Divide or replace as needed, about every
divide clumps
Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers): 1, 3, 8, 13
1/31/11
* Native to CA but not to Western L.A. Co.
© Project SOUND