Etymology: Calamagrostis: from Greek mythological figure Kalamos, the son of Maiandros (aka Meander), god of the Meander River and agrostis for "grass"
Plants: perennial grass
Conservation Status: Native

- floret with dense beard of long hairs, hairs about as long as the lemma

- lemma membranous and smooth

- spikelets with purplish tinge and one floret

- leaves (and overall plant) with bluish-green cast (glaucous)

- common in wetlands

Floristic Rating: Coefficient of Conservatism = 5, Wetland Indicator = OBL Atlas of the Wisconsin Prairie and Savanna Flora: by T.S. Cochrane & H.H. Iltis: habitat, distribution infomation / flowering and fruiting times USDA Plants Database: Federal Distribution and detailed information including photos Grasses of Iowa: Detailed photographs, descriptions, maps Canada Agriculture and Agri-Food
Alberta Government: "The identification of certain native and naturalized grasses by their vegetative characters", S.E. Clarke, J.A. Campbell and W. Shevkenek. 1950.
(Publication no. 762 ; Technical bulletin no. 50). Drawings, descriptions. University of Wisconsin - Green Bay: Wetland Plants: Photos, descriptions, information USGS - Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center: Wetland Plants and Plant Communities of Minnesota and Wisconsin USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS): Images of seeds, fruits, embryos, etc.