Stout Woodreed

(Cinna arundinacea)

Stout Woodreed (Cinna arundinacea)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Cinna arundinacea, commonly known as Stout Woodreed or Sweet Woodreed, is a perennial grass that is indigenous to a variety of moist habitats including wet meadows, marshes, floodplains, and along streams and rivers in Canada and the United States east of the Rocky Mountains. It can reach heights of up to 6 feet (1.8 meters) and is characterized by its upright, clumping form and fine-textured, green foliage that turns golden-brown in fall. The inflorescences are airy, open panicles that appear in late summer, and while not particularly showy, they add a delicate texture to the landscape.

Stout Woodreed is valued for its adaptability to wet conditions and is often used for erosion control along waterways and in naturalized areas. It provides essential cover and food for wetland wildlife species and is suitable for rain gardens and restoration projects. This grass prefers consistently moist, fertile soils and can tolerate a range of light conditions from full sun to partial shade. While generally low-maintenance, it can spread by rhizomes and self-seeding, potentially becoming aggressive in ideal conditions. Gardeners should be aware of its potential to spread when considering it for smaller spaces or more formal plantings.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Grass
  • Height: 2-4.9 feet
  • Width: 1-2 feet
  • Growth Rate: Moderate
  • Flower Color: N/A
  • Flowering Season: Summer
  • Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Part Shade, Full Shade
  • Water: Medium, High
  • Drainage: Fast, Medium, Slow

Common Uses

Bird Garden, Low Maintenance, Water Garden

Natural Habitat

Wet meadows, marshes, floodplains, and along streams and rivers

Other Names

Common Names: Stout Wood Reed Grass , Common Wood Reed , Sweet Woodreed

Scientific Names: Cinna arundinacea , Agrostis cinna , Agrostis cinna , Agrostis cinna , Agrostis rubicunda , Agrostis rubicunda , Cinna agrostidea , Cinna agrostidea , Cinna agrostoides , Cinna agrostoides

GBIF Accepted Name: