Ditch Reedgrass

Calamagrostis scopulorum

Native to:
United States

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Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Poaceae
Genus:
Calamagrostis
Species:
Calamagrostis scopulorum
USDA Symbol:
CASC

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Perennial
Growth Habit:
Graminoid
Height:
120 cm
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
Low
Bloom Months:
jun,jul,aug

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:
birds, small mammals
Deer Resistant:
Yes
Fall Color:
tan, golden
Fire Ecology:
Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
Fire Notes:
Resprouts vigorously from rhizomes after fire. Common component of post-fire mountain meadow recovery.

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
well-drained, rocky or sandy soil
pH:
5.5 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
consistently moist
Notes:
native to mountainous regions, prefers cool climates

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:
Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days
Germination Time:
14–30 days
Notes:
Requires light for germination. Best sown on soil surface with cold-moist stratification.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI