Chee Reedgrass: A Hardy Ornamental Grass for Northern Gardens
If you’re looking for a tough, low-maintenance grass that can handle harsh conditions and add movement to your landscape, chee reedgrass might catch your eye. This perennial ornamental grass brings a wild, naturalized look to gardens across northern regions, though it comes with some considerations worth knowing about.
What is Chee Reedgrass?
Chee reedgrass (Calamagrostis epigeios epigeios) is a robust perennial grass that belongs to the graminoid family—essentially the fancy term for grasses and grass-like plants. Originally hailing from Europe and Asia, this hardy grass has made itself at home across parts of Canada and the northern United States.
You might also see this plant listed under its synonym, Calamagrostis epigeios var. epigeios, but don’t let the scientific names intimidate you—it’s the same reliable grass either way.
Where Does Chee Reedgrass Grow?
This adaptable grass has established itself across a impressive range of locations. In Canada, you’ll find it in Alberta, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Ontario, and Labrador. South of the border, it grows in Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, North Dakota, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin.
As a non-native species, chee reedgrass has proven quite successful at reproducing and persisting in the wild without human intervention—a testament to its hardiness, though something to keep in mind when considering it for your garden.
Why Consider Chee Reedgrass for Your Garden?
There are several compelling reasons why gardeners gravitate toward this ornamental grass:
- Exceptional hardiness: Thrives in USDA zones 3-9, making it suitable for challenging northern climates
- Low maintenance: Once established, it requires minimal care and attention
- Drought tolerance: Can handle dry conditions after its first growing season
- Attractive seed heads: Develops feathery plumes that add texture and movement to landscapes
- Erosion control: The spreading root system helps stabilize soil on slopes
Garden Design and Landscape Uses
Chee reedgrass works particularly well in naturalized landscapes and prairie-style gardens where a wild, unmanicured look is desired. Its tall growth habit and spreading nature make it excellent for:
- Background plantings in mixed borders
- Erosion control on slopes and banks
- Creating privacy screens or natural barriers
- Adding texture to rain gardens and bioswales
Growing Chee Reedgrass Successfully
One of the best things about chee reedgrass is how adaptable it is to different growing conditions:
Sunlight: Performs best in full sun but tolerates partial shade
Soil: Adaptable to various soil types, from sandy to clay, though it prefers well-draining conditions
Water: Moderate water needs; drought tolerant once established
Maintenance: Cut back to 6 inches in late winter before new growth emerges
Important Considerations
Before planting chee reedgrass, there are a few things to keep in mind. As a non-native species that spreads via rhizomes, it can potentially naturalize beyond your intended planting area. While not currently listed as invasive in most areas, it’s worth monitoring its spread and removing unwanted shoots.
If you’re passionate about supporting native ecosystems, consider exploring native alternatives like big bluestem (Andropogon gerardii) or switchgrass (Panicum virgatum), which provide similar ornamental value while supporting local wildlife and pollinators.
The Bottom Line
Chee reedgrass offers gardeners a hardy, low-maintenance option for challenging sites and naturalized landscapes. While its non-native status means it won’t support local wildlife as effectively as native grasses, it can still play a valuable role in erosion control and landscape design. Just be mindful of its spreading nature and consider whether native alternatives might better serve your garden’s ecosystem goals.
If you do choose to grow chee reedgrass, you’ll likely find it to be a reliable, undemanding addition to your landscape that provides years of texture and interest with minimal fuss.
