How much sun does Pacific Reedgrass need?

Pacific Reedgrass grows best in part sun conditions.

When does Pacific Reedgrass bloom?

Pacific Reedgrass blooms in June, July, and August.

Where is Pacific Reedgrass native?

Pacific Reedgrass (Calamagrostis nutkaensis) is native to CA, OR, WA, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.

Is Pacific Reedgrass HOA-friendly?

Pacific Reedgrass is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with moderate maintenance.

Pacific Reedgrass

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Calamagrostis nutkaensis

Last reviewed: August 2026

Toxicity unknown

Pacific Reedgrass (Calamagrostis nutkaensis) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

Light

part sun

Water

medium

Size

24"–60" H × 12"–24" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug

Native to

CA, OR, WA

Before you buy

Your city may pay you to plant this

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Coast Range Puget Lowland Central California Foothills and Coastal Mountains Northwestern Forested Mountains

Pacific reedgrass is a tall, clumping native grass that forms upright tufts of narrow green leaves. It produces attractive feathery seed heads in summer and turns golden-brown in fall before going dormant in winter.

In an HOA neighborhood

Pacific Reedgrass is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: moderate. Tidiness: 3 out of 5.

Works well in: mid zone, street edge.

Can look untidy when dormant in winter
May appear too informal for formal front yards
Requires annual cutting back for neat appearance

Wildlife value

This grass provides nesting material and cover for birds, while its seeds feed songbirds and small mammals. The dense clumps offer shelter for beneficial insects throughout the growing season.

Common questions

How much sun does Pacific Reedgrass need?: Pacific Reedgrass grows best in part sun conditions.
When does Pacific Reedgrass bloom?: Pacific Reedgrass blooms in June, July, and August.
Where is Pacific Reedgrass native?: Pacific Reedgrass (Calamagrostis nutkaensis) is native to CA, OR, WA, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
Is Pacific Reedgrass HOA-friendly?: Pacific Reedgrass is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with moderate maintenance.

Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.

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