Reed Canary Grass (Phalaris arundinacea and cultivars)

Reed Canary Grass

Phalaris arundinacea is an evergreen, rhizomatous, perennial grass with upright, bamboo‑like foliage to 14 inches tall. Flat, linear leaves sometimes striped yellow. Pale green spikelets turn buff with age. Used extensively for buffer strips, shoreline plantings, and forage; extremely aggressive invader of wetlands in the Midwest.

Key Features

• Bamboo‑like foliage; sometimes yellow‑striped.
• Very aggressive; invasive in wetlands.
• Used for erosion control and forage.

Growing Conditions

Adaptable to all soil conditions. Needs containment if grown in mixed borders.

Care & Propagation

Divide from mid‑spring to midsummer. Problems: ergot, rust, smut, brown patch, leaf spots.

Landscape Uses

Beds, borders, ground covers, naturalizing, waterside.

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