Calamagrostis canadensis - Bluejoint Grass

This North American native is found in abundance in wet meadows, open woods and along streambanks. The strongly spreading roots of this grass will ensure a large sweep with one to two meter (3-6') tall flowers.

Bluejoint is best used for the natural landscape and will combine well with Eupatoriums and other like-minded perennials. In a shady garden setting, interplant with Festuca gigantea and dig out any unwanted runners each spring.

Description: cool season; spreading
Foliage - dark green to blue green; narrow blade; 90-150 cm (36-60") tall
Flowers - June, July at 125-180 cm (50-70"); height of flowers related to available moisture

Ideal conditions: in moist soil: full sun; in dry areas: shade

Zone: 3 - 7 (find your zone; further info on plant hardiness)

Form: upright foliage, nodding flowers

Landscape uses: open woods, woodland edge, wet meadows and other seasonally moist areas; for naturalizing, groundcover and as a nice transition from a garden to the natural landscape beyond

Partner with: Salix purpurea, Eupatorium cannabinum, Pycnanthemum, Festuca gigantea, Carex muskingumensis, Juncus 'Lovesick Blues'

Season of interest: mid summer through winter

When to plant or divide: early to late spring and early fall

When to cut down: in early spring, just before the new growth starts

Drought tolerance rating: 2 (water to root depth once every 2 weeks); further info

Native to: North America

Recommended spacing between plants: plugs - 20-40cm (8-16"), larger plants - 40-60cm (16-24") why such a difference?

Pronunciation: Calamagrostis (kal-ah-mah-GROS-tis)

More ornamental grasses

Compare Calamagrostis canadensis to our other grasses in this handy chart.