Back to Plants

Calamagrostis nutkaensis 'The King'

The King Pacific Reed Grass

  Buy This Plant

Description

This robust selection is one of the best native California grasses to come along in years. Handsome foliage and showy flowers give it a great one-two punch in the meadow. The glossy green ribbon-like foliage and golden flower spikes are surreal in the light of the full moon. be sure to plant it where late and early light will backlight its golden flowers.

A big native grass, it's great in groups, massed, as a background grass, and on meadow edges. It looks right at home on a woodland edge and streamside. The King Pacific Reed Grass combines well with Leymus triticoides Lagunita and groundcover sedges, adding a tall flowering accent to your meadow.

General Details

Plant Type

Grass, Poaceae

Native Region

California, USA

Seasonality

Cool-season, evergreen

Height

Foliage grows 3-4 feet tall, flowers 1-2 feet above the foliage

Width

3-4 feet

Alternate Names

N/a

Aesthetic Form

Landscaping Value

Meadows, flowering accents, mass plantings

Foliage

Broad glossy green ribbon-like leaves

Flower Form

Narrow golden flower spikes

Bloom Cycle

Spring to summer

Growth Habits

Clumping, forms dense mounds

Plant Pairings

Leymus triticoides Lagunita, sedges

Care & Maintenance

Watering Needs

Moderate water needs

Soil Preferences

Wide adaptability from sand to clay

Sun Exposure

Full sun to partial shade

Winter Heartiness

< 0° F, USDA zones 4-8

Desert Adaptability

No Available Information

Costal Adaptability

No Available Information

Want to use this plant for a

Home garden?

Commercial design?

Meadow planting?

Landscaping Project?

  Buy This Plant