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 Calamagrostis canadensis

Bluejoint reedgrass 

 Scientific name: Calamagrostis canadensis

Common name: Bluejoint reedgrass, Meadow pinegrass, Canadian reedgrass, Marsh pinegrass, Marsh reedgrass

Region of origin: North America

 

 
Photo by Anita Cholewa


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Highlights:

Weed Suppressive Rating: Good - Excellent

Hardiness: Zones 3-7

Height x Spread: 60 in. x ?

Season of bloom: May - August

Flower color: Purplish

Exposure: Full sun

Soil requirements: Well-drained soils, mineral soils; can adapt to a wide range of soil texture

Moisture requirements: Moist soil. Drought tolerant once established

Physical description: This plant is a prairie grass that spreads by rhizomes. It has very narrow (< 1/3" wide), elongated, bluish leaves that are not hairy, but rough to the touch. The delicate panicle is purplish with spreading branches and is between 4 in. to 8 in. long. The formation of the panicle occurs between May and August.

Optimal growing conditions: Bluejoint reedgrass thrives in boreal and temperate regions in moderately well-drained mineral soils. The grass cannot germinate in drought conditions, but once it is established it is very drought resistant. Growth is very fast. Winter hardiness: Zones 3 to 7.

Susceptibility to pests and diseases: This plant is susceptible to insect or fungal damage of the lower stems, a condition referred to as white top.

Use: This plant can be used for grazing because of its ability to reproduce very quickly by way of its extensive network of rhizomes.

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