Reed Canarygrass
Reed canarygrass spreads by seed and a dense network of creeping rhizomes. It prefers disturbed sites but is capable of invading intact native wetlands. Once established, reed canarygrass forms dense patches that exclude native plants and wildlife.
Common Name: Reed canarygrass
Scientific Name: Phalaris arundinacea
Native Range: Europe
Background
Reed canarygrass is a coarse perennial grass that grows up to 10 feet tall. The leaf blades are tapering, up to 10 inches long, and have a rough texture on both sides. The stem of reed canary grass is hairless and stands erect. Its flowering structure is usually small and initially greenish purple in color, fading to a light brown at maturity.
Habitat
Reed canarygrass can grow in a wide variety of sites. It is known to establish itself in dry, upland habitats and partially shaded woodlands; however, it is most prolific in moist soil and it will aggressively invade most wetland types.
NYS Distribution Map
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Identification
Reed canarygrass has hollow, hairless stems and flat, rough leaf blades. It can grow up to 10 feet tall. There are long, clear, membranous ligules along the stem.
Impact
Reed canarygrass spreads by seed and a dense network of creeping rhizomes. It prefers disturbed sites but is capable of invading intact native wetlands. Once established, reed canarygrass forms dense patches that exclude native plants and wildlife.
Prevention and Control
Small patches can be managed by digging, but the entire rhizome system must be removed for control to be effective. Large or well established patches can be controlled using a glyphosate-based herbicide. Long term management efforts will be required to deplete the plant’s persistent seed bank.
