Chee Reedgrass: A European Ornamental Grass Worth Knowing
If you’ve ever wondered about those tall, graceful grasses swaying in naturalized landscapes across North America, you might have encountered chee reedgrass (Calamagrostis epigeios). This perennial ornamental grass has quietly made itself at home in various regions, bringing a touch of European elegance to our gardens and wild spaces.
What Exactly is Chee Reedgrass?
Chee reedgrass is a non-native perennial grass that originally hails from Europe and Asia. As part of the graminoid family, it shares characteristics with other grasses, sedges, and rushes – those fundamental plants that form the backbone of many ecosystems. This hardy grass has established itself across multiple provinces and states, proving its adaptability to North American growing conditions.
Where You’ll Find It Growing
This adaptable grass has spread across a surprisingly wide range of North American locations. You can find established populations in Canadian provinces including Alberta, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Ontario, and Labrador. In the United States, it’s taken root in Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, North Dakota, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin.
The Good, The Bad, and The Grassy
Like many introduced species, chee reedgrass comes with both benefits and considerations for gardeners:
Potential Benefits:
- Low maintenance once established
- Attractive ornamental value with feathery seed heads
- Drought tolerant and adaptable to various soil conditions
- Useful for erosion control on slopes
- Hardy in USDA zones 4-8
Things to Consider:
- As a non-native species, it doesn’t provide the same ecological benefits as indigenous grasses
- Can spread via underground rhizomes and self-seeding
- May compete with native plant species in naturalized areas
Growing Chee Reedgrass Successfully
If you decide to include this grass in your landscape, here’s what you need to know:
Ideal Growing Conditions:
- Thrives in full sun to partial shade
- Adaptable to various soil types and pH levels
- Tolerates both dry and moderately moist conditions
- Hardy in zones 4-8, making it suitable for most temperate regions
Planting and Care Tips:
- Plant in spring or fall when temperatures are moderate
- Space plants appropriately to allow for natural spreading
- Water regularly during establishment, then reduce as the plant becomes drought-tolerant
- Cut back in late winter or early spring before new growth begins
- Monitor for excessive spreading if planted near sensitive native plant areas
Native Alternatives Worth Considering
While chee reedgrass can be an attractive addition to certain landscapes, consider these native alternatives that provide similar aesthetic appeal with greater ecological benefits:
- Big bluestem (Andropogon gerardii) – spectacular fall color and wildlife habitat
- Canada wild rye (Elymus canadensis) – excellent for erosion control
- Prairie dropseed (Sporobolus heterolepis) – delicate texture with fragrant flowers
- Little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium) – compact size with bronze fall color
The Bottom Line
Chee reedgrass represents one of those middle-ground plants in the gardening world – not necessarily problematic, but not particularly beneficial to local ecosystems either. If you already have it growing on your property, it can certainly serve as an attractive, low-maintenance ornamental grass. However, if you’re planning new plantings, consider exploring native grass alternatives that will provide similar beauty while supporting local wildlife and pollinators.
Remember, the best gardens are those that balance personal aesthetic preferences with ecological responsibility. Whether you choose chee reedgrass or a native alternative, the key is creating a landscape that brings you joy while respecting the natural heritage of your region.
