Calamagrostis varia, commonly known as Variegated Feather Reed Grass, is a perennial grass native to a variety of habitats in Europe, including meadows, open woodlands, and along riverbanks. It typically grows in a caespitose (tufted) form with short rhizomes and erect culms, reaching up to 47 inches in height. The grass features open, linear panicles and lanceolate spikelets that are particularly striking when they catch the light. Flowering occurs in midsummer, and the inflorescences add a soft, feathery texture to the landscape.

Variegated Feather Reed Grass is appreciated for its adaptability to different soil types and its low maintenance requirements. It is often used in ornamental plantings, as it provides vertical interest and movement in the garden. This grass is suitable for mass plantings, as an accent in borders, or for naturalizing in meadow gardens. It prefers full sun to part shade and requires well-drained soil. While it is generally pest and disease-free, it can suffer from rust in very humid conditions. It is not known to be invasive and does not have aggressive roots, making it a good choice for residential gardens.CC BY-SA 4.0