Download Reed canarygrass

Reed canarygrass
Grass Family
Phalaris arundinacea L.
Key identifying traits





A hearty grass that regenerates from large
rhizomatous rootstocks
Sturdy, often hollow stems can be ½” in diameter
and may be reddish near the top
Leaf blades are flat, ¼-¾” wide and are covered
with a waxy coating giving them a blue-green hue
Grows up to 7 feet tall
Flowers are borne in 3-6” compact panicles high
above the leaves; at maturity, the panicle opens
and turns a golden color
Biology and ecology
 A tough perennial that can form a solid mat and
crowd out all other vegetation
 Reproduces by seed and by root rhizomes
 Found in low to mid elevations growing in marshes,
along streams and ditch banks
 It produces good quality hay if it is cut before
maturing
 It was introduced from Europe and is found on
every major land mass except for Antarctica and
Greenland
Control
Prevention – Learn to identify plants; know your
property
Biological – No known biological agents yet
Cultural – Good vegetative cover helps but does not
prevent establishment or spread, it will dominate wet
areas
Mechanical – Cutting will not achieve control due to
the underground root system
Chemical – Herbicides designed for use on grasses
can be effective at label rates but may require
Photo by Barry A. Rice, TNC
repeat treatments to extensive kill root system
Where found – Found scattered throughout Stevens County, especially dense populations in
sub-irrigated pastures, along streams and wet ditch banks.
Stevens County Noxious Weed Control Board, January 2004