Bushgrass
Calamagrostis epigejos
Also listed as Agrostis epigejos, Agrostis umbrosa
Also known as Wood Small-reed, Chee Reedgrass
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Bushgrass is an upright ornamental grass that produces feathery seed heads and tolerates poor, sandy soils with minimal water once established. It spreads vigorously by rhizomes and is useful for erosion control and naturalizing in dry areas.
Why grow it
Calamagrostis epigejos establishes reliably in sandy or degraded soils where many ornamental grasses struggle, making it a practical choice for erosion control on slopes or disturbed sites. Compared to finer-textured ornamental grasses, it tolerates drier conditions once established and requires minimal fertilizer or soil amendment. Its upright form and plume-like seed heads provide winter interest and structure in naturalistic plantings.
Watch out for
This grass spreads assertively by underground rhizomes and can outcompete neighboring perennials in confined spaces, so plan for adequate spacing or physical barriers in mixed plantings. Self-seeding occurs readily in suitable conditions, particularly in open or minimally managed areas. It performs best with occasional division or rejuvenation cutting to maintain vigor and appearance over many seasons.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Poaceae
Native Range
Central and Eastern Europe
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
Herb
Soft non-woody plants of the field layer.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
Bushgrass is an upright ornamental grass that produces feathery seed heads and tolerates poor, sandy soils with minimal water once established. It spreads vigorously by rhizomes and is useful for erosion control and naturalizing in dry areas.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Bushgrass grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Calamagrostis epigejos establishes reliably in sandy or degraded soils where many ornamental grasses struggle, making it a practical choice for erosion control on slopes or disturbed sites. Compared to finer-textured ornamental grasses, it tolerates drier conditions once established and requires minimal fertilizer or soil amendment. Its upright form and plume-like seed heads provide winter interest and structure in naturalistic plantings.
Watch out for
This grass spreads assertively by underground rhizomes and can outcompete neighboring perennials in confined spaces, so plan for adequate spacing or physical barriers in mixed plantings. Self-seeding occurs readily in suitable conditions, particularly in open or minimally managed areas. It performs best with occasional division or rejuvenation cutting to maintain vigor and appearance over many seasons.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Poaceae
Native Range
Central and Eastern Europe
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
Herb
Soft non-woody plants of the field layer.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
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