Pacific Reed Grass
Calamagrostis nutkaensis
Care
full sun, part shade
moderate
Standing; Tolerates a variety of soils.
3–3ft tall
Evergreen
Resistant
Friendly
Coastal wetlands and salt marshes from Humboldt County to Monterey County, at sea level, extending to Oregon and Washington.
Care Guide
Planting
Plant Pacific Reed Grass in full sun to part shade in a location with good drainage - it tolerates standing water better than most grasses, but still needs soil that doesn't stay boggy year-round. This grass adapts to a variety of soil types, so amend heavy clay minimally and focus instead on drainage. Plant in fall or early spring to give it time to establish before summer heat.
After Planting
Water weekly through your first summer to keep the soil moist as it establishes; by year two, you can back off to moderate watering during dry spells. This is an evergreen grass, so leave it standing through winter rather than cutting it back - prune out any dead growth in early spring before new shoots emerge. The biggest mistake is overwatering once established; this coastal native prefers moist conditions during the growing season but doesn't need constant wet feet.
Visit Calscape for more information about Pacific Reed Grass
Wildlife Supported
Birds
Nests in coastal reed beds and marshes; April-July breeding season
Insects
Fungal pathogen; overwinters on plant tissue and infects new growth seasonally
Fungal rust pathogen; primary infection in spring and fall