This unusual grass is in fine form on the Systematic Beds.
Calamagrostis epigejos (wood small reed) is a native of Europe, Asia and South Africa. In the United Kingdom it occurs in damp woods, ditches, fens, sea cliffs and sand dunes. It is a clump-forming, erect perennial species to 2m in height, with slender, parallel-veined leaves typical of grasses. The attractive dense flower heads are produced from June to August. It grows well in full sun and partial shade in most soils. It is one of approximately 170 species of Calamagrostis (reed grass) which occur throughout the northern hemisphere. A number of species and cultivars are grown widely for their ornamental value, including C. x acutiflora ‘Karl Foerster’ and C. brachytricha.