Calamagrostis foliosa is a species in the Poaceae family known by the common name Leafy Reedgrass. It is somewhat rare and endemic to northern California, from Mendocino County northward, where it grows in the forests and scrub on the coastline.
Calamagrostis foliosa (Mendocino Reed Grass) is a beautiful cool-season native California bunchgrass that comes from the northern California coast. It grows to only about 1 foot tall by nearly 2 feet wide with arching blue-green foliage that often has purple highlights. In mid-spring through early summer appear the attractive short arching silvery- purple heads of flowers that age to a golden wheat color and attractive on into fall.
The plant tolerates drier conditions to the north and when grown in shade but looks best with occasional to regular irrigation. Regular water during establishment (first year), then occasional water required in coastal areas, with more summer water required in hot inland sites.
