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Overdam Feather Reed Grass
Calamagrostis x acutiflora ‘Overdam’
Description & Overview
Overdam Feather Reed Grass is an upright, arching, cool season grass that produces beautifully white variegated leaves. In midsummer, delightful feathery reddish-brown flower spikes emerge maturing to golden-brown. An excellent specimen for spaces needing vertical interest.
Core Characteristics
Suggested Uses:
More compact than Karl Foerster, Overdam Feather Reed Grass works well in spaces where vertical interest is needed. Use as a vertical accent, border, or clump in spaces where the white variegated leaves will stand out. It truly pops when placed against a darker background.
Wildlife Value:
Birds may use Overdam Feather Reed Grass as a nesting and cover source.
Maintenance Tips:
Leave Overdam Grass up through winter. Since it’s sterile, the seed heads don’t need to be removed to prevent spreading. In late winter or early spring, the grass can be cut back to 2-3″ above the crown to make room for new growth.
Pests/Problems:
It has no major insect or disease issues. In periods of extended rainfall and moisture, rust may develop on the grass. This will resolve once moisture levels fall back to normal.
Leaf Lore:
Calamagrostis x acutiflora is a hybrid between the Eurasian species Calamagrostis epigejos and Calamagrostis arundinacea. The attractive seed heads are sterile, preventing the grass from spreading beyond its roots.
It’s a compact selection with variegated leaves. Its flowers are darker than those of Karl Foerster Feather Reed Grass, being reddish-brown rather than a lighter wheat color.
Overdam is also slightly more shade tolerant than the Karl Foerster variety, and can be sited more liberally when it comes to light. However, it’s not a plant tolerant of full shade and should not be placed where there is no direct sun.
Companion Plants:
With its variegated leaves, pair Overdam Feather Reed Grass with plants that will highlight the two-toned colors. It shines when placed in front of a large stature shrub like Bergeson Dogwood or Summer Wine Ninebark, and adds a nice texture in winter. In shadier sites, consider using Delft Lace Astilbe or Brunette Snakeroot to vary color and texture.
