Taxonomy

Division:

Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants

Family:

Poaceae

Genus:

Calamagrostis

Species:

Calamagrostis epigeios

USDA Symbol:

CAEP

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:

Perennial

Growth Habit:

Graminoid

Height:

180 cm

Light Requirements:

Full Sun

Drought Tolerance:

Medium

Bloom Months:

jun,jul,aug

Bloom Colors:

purple, green

Wildlife Benefits

Butterflies & Moths:

★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:

birds, butterflies

Deer Resistant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Fire Ecology:

Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire

Fire Notes:

Can resprout after fire; often colonizes burned areas.

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:

sandy, nutrient-poor, well-drained soil

pH:

5.5 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)

Drainage:

excellent drainage required

Moisture:

dry to moderate

Notes:

often found in disturbed areas and open habitats

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:

Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days

Germination Time:

14–30 days

Notes:

Seeds germinate best after cold stratification for 30-60 days; surface sow on moist soil.