Mendocino Reed Grass (Calamagrostis foliosa) | California Native Bunchgrass

Mendocino Reed Grass

1 Gallon

$19.90

$19.90 $0.00

1/4

Mendocino Reed Grass

Calamagrostis foliosa

A compact, rare California native bunchgrass with blue-green foliage, purple highlights, and long-lasting silvery-purple flower spikes.

$19.90

$19.90 $0.00

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Bay Area–Based Nursery

We specialize in plants grown and delivered in their original pots and soil.
Because of their size and weight, our plants are not suitable for long-distance shipping and are delivered locally to ensure health and quality.

While delivery is limited to our local service area, we’re happy to support garden design and plant selection remotely.

For local plant professionals, we’re always glad to connect and explore ways to support your customers.

Calamagrostis foliosa, commonly known as Mendocino Reed Grass or Leafy Reed Grass, is a beautiful, compact California native bunchgrass prized for its dense, fountain-like form, striking blue-green to gray-green foliage, and showy, long-lasting flower spikes . This cool-season perennial forms a tidy, evergreen clump of narrow, arching leaves that often develop attractive purple highlights, especially in cooler months . From mid-spring through early summer, it produces short, arching flower stalks bearing silvery-purple to buff-colored seed heads that age to a warm golden wheat tone, extending ornamental interest into fall . Exceptionally well-behaved, drought-tolerant once established, and resistant to deer and herbivores, it is an outstanding choice for mass plantings, meadows, slopes, coastal gardens, and small-space accents in water-wise landscapes . Note: This rare California native (CNPS 4.2) does not respond well to hard cutting back; instead, rake out dead thatch or divide clumps in late winter or spring .

Knowing how we measure the size?

When browsing our plants, you may notice size terms such as Gallon, Multi, or Stand. These describe how a plant is grown, containerized, or structured at the time of sale — not just its height. Understanding these terms will help you choose the right plant for your space and expectations.

🌱 Gallon Size (Container Size)

Gallon refers to the size of the nursery container the plant is currently growing in (e.g. 1 Gallon, 5 Gallon, 15 Gallon).

A larger gallon size generally means:
- A more established root system
- A sturdier plant
- Faster visual impact after planting
Example:
- 5 Gallon: Ideal for residential gardens, easy to handle, good balance of value and maturity
- 15 Gallon: More mature, provides quicker results in the landscape

Note: Gallon size does not guarantee a specific height, as growth varies by species.

🌳 Multi (Multi-Trunk / Multi-Branch Form)

Multi indicates the plant has multiple trunks or main stems growing from the base.

Commonly used for:
- Ornamental trees
- Feature plants
- Japanese maples, olives, crepe myrtles, etc.
Why choose Multi:
- Fuller, more sculptural appearance
- Strong visual presence even at younger ages
- Popular for design-focused landscapes

🌲 Stand (Single-Trunk / Standard Form)

Stand (short for Standard) refers to a single, dominant trunk with a raised or naturally formed canopy.

Commonly used for:
- Shade trees
- Street trees
- Orchard and structural plantings
Why choose Stand:
- Clean, classic tree form
- Easier clearance for walkways and lawns
- Preferred for long-term structure and uniformity

🌿 Choosing the Right Size

If you want instant impact → larger Gallon, Multi form
If you want long-term structure → Stand form
If you want flexibility and value → mid-size Gallon containers

If you’re unsure which size or form fits your project, our team is happy to help you select the best option based on your space, timeline, and design goals.

Foliage & Flowers: Dense, tufted fountain-like clump of narrow, arching, blue-green to gray-green leaves (often with purple highlights); short arching flower stalks with silvery-purple to buff seed heads aging to golden wheat, blooming in mid-spring through early summer .
Mature Height: 12-18 inches (foliage); flower stalks to 24-30 inches .
Mature Spread: 12-24 inches (1-2 ft) .
Growth Rate: Moderate .
Hardiness Zones: USDA 8-9 (tolerates down to approx. 10-15°F) .
Light Requirement: Full sun along coast; light shade or afternoon shade in hot inland areas .
Core Benefits: Compact tidy form, blue-green foliage with purple highlights, long-lasting flower spikes, drought tolerant, deer resistant, rare California native.
Best Uses: Mass plantings, meadows, slopes (erosion control), coastal gardens, small-space gardens, rock gardens, containers.

Q: How large does Mendocino Reed Grass get?
A: It forms a dense, fountain-like clump, typically reaching 12-18 inches in height(foliage) with flower stalks rising to 24-30 inches. It spreads 12-24 inches wide.

Q: Is it drought tolerant?
A: Yes, once established, it requires little to no summer water in coastal areas. In hotter inland sites, it looks best with occasional to regular summer irrigation .

Q: How much sun does it need?
A: Plant in full sun along the coast. In hot inland areas, provide light shade or afternoon shade to prevent leaf scorch .

Q: How should I prune or maintain it?
A: Do not chop back this plant — it does not respond well to hard cutting back . Instead, run a hard rake through the clumps to remove dead thatch, or divide clumps in late winter or spring when actively growing .

Q: Is it deer resistant?
A: Yes, it is resistant to predation by deer and other herbivores .

Q: Is it a true native? Is it rare?
A: Yes, it is native to the northern California coast (Del Norte, Humboldt, Mendocino counties). It is listed by the State of California as Rare (CNPS 4.2) , a plant of limited distribution .

Q: Can it be grown in containers?
A: Yes, its compact size and tidy form make it an excellent choice for containers and small-space gardens .