Pinegrass Plant Care
Calamagrostis foliosa Kearney
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Calamagrostis foliosa is a species of grass known by the common name Cape Mendocino reed grass or leafy reed grass. It is endemic to the Lost Coast in northern California, where it grows in the forests and scrub on the coastline.
Every 7–14 days
Full sun to partial shade
50–80°F
40–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Pinegrass?
Water Pinegrass every 7–14 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun to partial shade. It prefers temperatures of 50–80°F (10–27°C) and 40–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 8 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Pinegrass Native To?
What Is the Pinegrass?
Pinegrass (Calamagrostis foliosa) belongs to the Poaceae family within the Calamagrostis genus. Pinegrass is native to the Lost Coast in northern California. Pinegrass is also known as Feather Reed Grass.
Pinegrass displays a clump-forming grass growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Pinegrass produces feathery flower heads in summer.
Leaf size: approximately 12 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Pinegrass?
Calamagrostis foliosa requires watering every 7–14 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–14 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Pinegrass Need?
Pinegrass thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Pinegrass Prefer?
Calamagrostis foliosa grows best at temperatures of 50–80°F. Pinegrass prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.
Temperature
50–80°F
Humidity
40–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Pinegrass?
Well-draining loamy soil with good organic content. Good drainage is essential for Pinegrass to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Pinegrass?
Feed Pinegrass every 8 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 8 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Pinegrass?
Divide clumps every 2-3 years in early spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Pinegrass?
Pinegrass can be propagated through division, seed sowing. Similar propagation techniques also apply to feather reed grass plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Pinegrass Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Pinegrass, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Pinegrass?
Pinegrass is susceptible to aphids, grasshoppers, spider mites. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Pinegrass Need?
Pinegrass grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Pinegrass is native to the Lost Coast in northern California. In cooler regions, grow Pinegrass as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 12a
Keep exploring plants
Pinegrass is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Calamagrostis genus — compare its care with other Calamagrostis species on PlantoScan.
Calamagrostis is part of the Poaceae plant family — browse all Poaceae genera and species.
Pinegrass thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Calamagrostis Species
Other Calamagrostis species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Calamagrostis foliosa Kearney, family Poaceae (first published in Bull. Div. Agrostol. U.S.D.A. 11: 17 (1898)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Pinegrass, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 12a, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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