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(Arundo formosana)
Taiwan Giant Reed (Arundo formosana)
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Shih-Shiuan Kao
CC BY-SA 2.0
Image By:
Shih-Shiuan Kao
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Copyright:
CC BY-SA 2.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Shih-Shiuan Kao | License Type: CC BY-SA 2.0 | License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/ | Uploader: SSKao | Publisher: Flickr
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Arundo formosana, commonly known as Taiwan Giant Reed, is a robust evergreen or semi-deciduous perennial grass native to riverbanks and open slopes in East Asia, particularly Taiwan. It can reach heights of 4-8 feet (1.2-2.4 meters) and spread 3-5 feet (0.9-1.5 meters) wide. This species forms dense clumps of cane-like stems and has broad, arching leaves that create a striking visual effect. The inflorescences are feathery and silver-white, appearing in late summer to fall and adding to the plant’s ornamental value.
Taiwan Giant Reed is valued for its rapid growth and ability to form dense screens, making it suitable for use as a privacy hedge or windbreak in large gardens and landscapes. It is also used for erosion control along waterways. In cultivation, it requires full sun to part shade and prefers consistently moist soil with good drainage. While it is adaptable to a range of soil types, it thrives in rich, loamy soils. Gardeners should be aware that in some regions, Arundo formosana can become invasive, spreading by rhizomes and potentially outcompeting native vegetation.CC BY-SA 4.0
Taiwan Giant Reed is valued for its rapid growth and ability to form dense screens, making it suitable for use as a privacy hedge or windbreak in large gardens and landscapes. It is also used for erosion control along waterways. In cultivation, it requires full sun to part shade and prefers consistently moist soil with good drainage. While it is adaptable to a range of soil types, it thrives in rich, loamy soils. Gardeners should be aware that in some regions, Arundo formosana can become invasive, spreading by rhizomes and potentially outcompeting native vegetation.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Grass
- Height: 4-8 feet
- Width: 3-5 feet
- Growth Rate: Rapid
- Flower Color: N/A
- Flowering Season: Summer, Fall
- Leaf Retention: Evergreen, Semi-Deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water: Medium
- Drainage: Medium
Common Uses
Erosion Control
Natural Habitat
Riverbanks and open slopes in East Asia, particularly Taiwan
Other Names
Common Names: Taiwanrör, 臺灣蘆竹
Scientific Names: , Arundo formosana, Arundo formosana subsp. gracilis, Arundo formosana subsp. robusta,
GBIF Accepted Name: Arundo formosana Hack.