What's eating my wood small-reed?

Wood small-reed (Calamagrostis epigejos) is a vigorous, colonising grass that is exceptionally resistant to pests. Aphids occasionally colonize new growth in spring, and leafhoppers may cause minor leaf stippling. Slugs can be an issue on young plants in shaded, damp sites. Deer rarely bother it. This species' aggressive growth means plants quickly outgrow most minor pest damage.

Soft new shoots colonized in spring; sticky honeydew, possible minor leaf curl or yellowing Strong water jet; insecticidal soap; natural predators usually adequate given the plant's vigour

Pale speckled stippling on upper leaf surfaces; blades look bleached or silvery in summer Tolerate mild infestations; improve air circulation by thinning dense patches; apply pyrethrin for severe outbreaks

Chewing damage on emerging shoots in cool, moist spring conditions, especially in shaded woodland garden settings Iron phosphate pellets around crowns; grit mulch barrier; remove nearby debris and leaf litter sheltering slugs