Bolander’s Reedgrass: A Delicate Native Treasure for West Coast Gardens
If you’re looking to add some understated elegance to your native plant garden, Bolander’s reedgrass might just be the perfect grass you’ve never heard of. This delicate perennial brings a soft, naturalistic texture to landscapes while supporting the unique ecosystems of California and Oregon.
What Makes Bolander’s Reedgrass Special?
Bolander’s reedgrass (Calamagrostis bolanderi) is a charming perennial grass that’s as rare as it is beautiful. Unlike some of its more robust grass cousins, this species has a refined, almost ethereal quality that makes it stand out in native plant communities. As a graminoid—part of the grass and grass-like plant family—it brings that essential grassland texture that ties together so many natural landscapes.
Where Does It Call Home?
This lovely grass is a true West Coast native, naturally occurring only in California and Oregon. It’s perfectly adapted to the unique climate conditions of the Western Mountains, Valleys, and Coast regions, as well as parts of the Arid West. You won’t find this grass anywhere else in the world naturally—making it a true regional treasure.
A Word of Caution: Rarity Matters
Here’s something important every gardener should know: Bolander’s reedgrass has a Global Conservation Status of S3, meaning it’s considered vulnerable. With only an estimated 21 to 100 occurrences and between 3,000 to 10,000 individuals remaining in the wild, this grass is facing some challenges in its natural habitat.
Does this mean you shouldn’t grow it? Not at all! In fact, growing native plants like Bolander’s reedgrass in our gardens can help support the species. However, it does mean you should be extra careful about sourcing. Always purchase from reputable native plant nurseries that propagate their plants responsibly rather than collecting from wild populations.
Perfect Spots for Planting
Bolander’s reedgrass has some specific preferences that make it particularly well-suited for certain garden situations:
- Rain gardens: Its facultative wetland status means it thrives in areas that get extra moisture
- Native plant gardens: Perfect for authentic regional plantings
- Naturalistic landscapes: Adds soft texture without being overwhelming
- Erosion control: Helps stabilize soil in appropriate conditions
Growing Conditions That Make It Happy
This grass appreciates conditions that mimic its natural habitat. Think moist to wet soils—it’s labeled as Facultative Wetland in both the Arid West and Western Mountains regions, which means it usually occurs in wetlands but can adapt to drier sites too.
Bolander’s reedgrass typically thrives in USDA hardiness zones 7-9, making it suitable for much of California and Oregon’s milder climates. It can handle both partial shade and full sun, though it tends to appreciate some protection from the harshest afternoon sun in hotter areas.
Planting and Care Tips
The good news is that once established, Bolander’s reedgrass is relatively low-maintenance—a trait shared by many well-adapted native plants. Here are some tips for success:
- Soil: Prefers moist, well-draining soil but can tolerate periodic wetness
- Watering: Benefits from consistent moisture, especially during establishment
- Maintenance: Minimal once established; can be cut back in late winter if desired
- Spacing: Allow adequate room for the grass to form its natural clumping habit
Wildlife and Ecosystem Benefits
While Bolander’s reedgrass is wind-pollinated (so it won’t attract butterflies like a wildflower might), it still plays important roles in the ecosystem. Native grasses provide habitat structure for small wildlife, nesting materials for birds, and help create the diverse plant communities that support various native species.
Is Bolander’s Reedgrass Right for Your Garden?
Consider adding this rare beauty to your garden if you:
- Live in California or Oregon and want authentic regional natives
- Have a spot with consistent moisture or are planning a rain garden
- Appreciate subtle, naturalistic beauty over flashy displays
- Want to support conservation by growing rare native species responsibly
While Bolander’s reedgrass might not be the showiest plant in your garden, it offers something increasingly valuable: a connection to the unique natural heritage of the West Coast. By choosing to grow this vulnerable species—with responsibly sourced plants, of course—you’re not just adding beauty to your landscape, you’re participating in conservation efforts that help preserve our native plant communities for future generations.
Remember, every native plant in our gardens is a small act of environmental stewardship. Bolander’s reedgrass might be rare in the wild, but with thoughtful gardeners like you, it doesn’t have to remain rare in our hearts—or our landscapes.
