Knowledgebase

What kind of ornamental grass? #777106

Asked November 03, 2021, 8:09 PM EDT

450 sq ft at mailboxes in the 4100 block of Bayside Rd in Orono. What kind of ornamental grass is this?

Hennepin County Minnesota

Expert Response

I think it is Karl Foerster one of the fountain grasses.

https://hoffmannursery.com/plants/details/calamagrostis-x-acutiflora-karl-foerster

Evelyn Locke, MN Master Gardener, Tree Care Advisor, Volunteer Replied November 04, 2021, 12:30 PM EDT

Thanks, Evelyn -- I was hoping so, because Karl Foerster is one of the 4 ornamental grasses that we planted a month ago!

Best,

-Jeff

On 11/4/2021 11:30 AM, Ask Extension wrote:
The Question Asker Replied November 04, 2021, 3:12 PM EDT

From another expert who has much more experience than I do with grasses.
https://ask2.extension.org/scp/tickets.php?id=777106
I believe the grass in question is probably a kind of miscanthus instead of feather reed grass. Especially note the shape and texture of the flowers.

Photo submitted

Feather reed grass (Karl Foerster)

Miscanthus (Maiden grass)

Evelyn Locke, MN Master Gardener, Tree Care Advisor, Volunteer Replied November 04, 2021, 3:22 PM EDT

I would plant Karl Foerster it is very pretty. Miscanthus can be very aggressive.

Evelyn Locke, MN Master Gardener, Tree Care Advisor, Volunteer Replied November 04, 2021, 3:25 PM EDT

We did both, in clumps of three, as well as 2 other varieties I can't recall. Also planted 15 'understory' trees:

  • ironwood (Ostrya virginiana)
  • blue beech (Carpinus caroliniana)
  • serviceberry (Amelanchier spp.)
  • pagoda dogwood (Cornus alternifolia)
  • witch hazel (Hamamelis virginiana)
  • northern redbud (Cercis canadensis)
On 11/4/2021 2:25 PM, Ask Extension wrote:
The Question Asker Replied November 04, 2021, 3:38 PM EDT

Excellent choices for MN and wildlife and very attractive. 

Evelyn Locke, MN Master Gardener, Tree Care Advisor, Volunteer Replied November 04, 2021, 5:03 PM EDT

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