Reed Canary Grass
(Phalaris arundinacea)
Reed Canary Grass (Phalaris arundinacea)
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Krish Dulal
CC BY-SA 3.0
Image By:
Krish Dulal
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY-SA 3.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Krish Dulal | License Type: CC BY-SA 3.0 | License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0 | Uploader: Krish Dulal | Publisher: Wikimedia Commons | Title: Phalaris_arundinacea_NP.JPG | Notes: {{Information |Description={{en|1=tear-drop leaf scars}} |Source=Own work by uploader |Author=[[User:VSA.bing|VSA.bing]] |Date=5.5.09 |Permission= |other_versions= }} |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Phalaris arundinacea, commonly known as Reed Canary Grass, is a deciduous perennial grass native to wetlands, riverbanks, and moist forested areas in Europe, Asia, and North America. It can grow up to 2 meters (6.6 ft) tall, with broad, green or sometimes variegated leaf blades. This grass forms dense stands and spreads aggressively via thick rhizomes. It produces compact panicles of spikelets in early summer, which are not particularly showy but are of ecological importance to wetland wildlife.
Reed Canary Grass is valued for its ability to stabilize soil and its use in water treatment systems due to its high nutrient uptake. It is often used for erosion control, as it establishes quickly and forms a dense ground cover. However, its aggressive nature makes it a poor choice for small gardens. It is adaptable to a wide range of soil types, from poor to fertile, and can tolerate varying water levels, from drought conditions to standing water. It thrives in full sun to part shade. Caution is advised when planting Reed Canary Grass due to its invasive potential; it can outcompete native vegetation and alter wetland ecosystems.CC BY-SA 4.0
Reed Canary Grass is valued for its ability to stabilize soil and its use in water treatment systems due to its high nutrient uptake. It is often used for erosion control, as it establishes quickly and forms a dense ground cover. However, its aggressive nature makes it a poor choice for small gardens. It is adaptable to a wide range of soil types, from poor to fertile, and can tolerate varying water levels, from drought conditions to standing water. It thrives in full sun to part shade. Caution is advised when planting Reed Canary Grass due to its invasive potential; it can outcompete native vegetation and alter wetland ecosystems.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Grass
- Height: 2-7 feet
- Width: 2-3 feet
- Growth Rate: Rapid
- Flower Color: N/A
- Flowering Season: Spring, Summer
- Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water: High
- Drainage: Fast, Medium, Slow
Common Uses
Border Plant, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Erosion Control, Potted Plant, Salt Tolerant, Water Garden
Natural Habitat
Wetlands, riverbanks, and moist forested areas in Europe, Asia, and North America
Other Names
Common Names: Gardener’s-Garters, Variegated Grass, Ribbon Grass, Reed-Grass, Reed-Canary Grass, Rørgræs, Rohr-Glanzgras, Rohrglanzgras, Hierba Cinta, Pasto Cinto
Scientific Names: , Phalaris arundinacea, Phalaris arundinacea var. picta, Phalaris picta, Phalaroides arundinacea, Typhoides arundinacea, Baldingera arundinacea, Phalaris arundinacea subsp. rotgesii, Digraphis arundinacea, Phalaris caesia
GBIF Accepted Name: Phalaris arundinacea L.