Achnatherum calamagrostis
Achnatherum calamagrostis · Poaceae
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant achnatherum calamagrostis: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Common name
- California Needlegrass
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Flowering
- June to August
- Adult size
- 80 to 150 cm in height
- Growth
- Fast
- Hardiness
- Down to -15 °C
- Origin
- California and arid regions of the American Southwest
- Soil type
- Well-drained, dry to moderately fresh
Care
Exposure
Install this grass in full sun for optimal growth and intense golden tones. It also tolerates partial shade, but development will be less vigorous. A south or west-facing exposure suits it particularly well.
Watering
Water regularly in the first weeks after planting to encourage root establishment. Once established, this grass is very tolerant of drought and only needs supplementary watering during prolonged dry periods. Avoid stagnant moisture which promotes rot.
Soil and drainage
Prepare well-drained, dry to moderately fresh soil. This species is undemanding and adapts to poor and rocky soils. Adding gravel or sand can improve drainage in heavy soil.
Pruning and cutting
Cut back the dry foliage to ground level in late winter or very early spring, before growth resumes. This operation improves air circulation and stimulates the development of new shoots. Wear gloves: the leaves are sharp.
Fertilizer
A moderate amount of fertilizer is not necessary: this grass is content with poor soils. In containers or very depleted soil, a balanced fertilizer in spring is enough to maintain good growth.
Diseases and pests
This grass is very robust and rarely susceptible to diseases. The main risk remains root rot in case of excess moisture. Ensure impeccable drainage and avoid excessive watering in winter.
Did you know?
Achnatherum calamagrostis was once considered a valuable food source for livestock belonging to indigenous peoples and pioneers of the American Southwest. Its seeds were also harvested and consumed. Today, it is mainly appreciated by landscapers for its slender form and silvery inflorescences that sparkle in the sun, adding movement to dry gardens and Mediterranean-style compositions.
Where to buy it
Plant in spring or early autumn, avoiding spells of intense heat. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, April, May, September.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
- Tufted hair grassDeschampsia cespitosa
- Wavy hair-grassAvenella flexuosa
- Purple moor-grassMolinia caerulea
- Reed canary-grassPhalaris arundinacea
- Common quaking grassBriza media
- Creeping soft-grassHolcus mollis
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.