Reed Canarygrass

Reed canarygrass Phalaris arundinacea L. Grass Family
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 repeat treatments to extensive kill root system; refer to the PNW Weed Management Handbook for specific chemical recommendations
	compact & open flowering heads
	sheath
	Reed canary grass field Photo by Barry A. Rice, TNC
*Where found –* Found scattered throughout Stevens County, especially dense populations in sub-irrigated pastures, along streams and wet ditch banks. MSdoc pdf