Reed canary grass (Phalaris arundinacea and cvs.) fah-LAR-iss ah-run-din-AY-see-ah Genus:  Phalaris This evergreen, rhizomatous, perennial grass has an upright habit, with bamboo-like foliage to 14 inches tall. Flat, linear leaves are sometimes striped yellow. Pale green spikelets turn buff with age. Noteworthy Characteristics:  Used extensively for buffer strips, shoreline plantings, and forage, it is an extremely aggressive invader of wetlands in the Midwest. Care:  Needs to be contained if grown in a mixed or herbaceous border. Adaptable to all soil conditions. Propagation:  Divide from mid-spring to midsummer. Problems:  Ergot, rust, smut, brown patch, and leaf spots.

Overview

Height 3 ft. to 6 ft. Growth Habit Spreads Growth Pace Fast Grower, Invasive/Aggressive Grower Light Full Sun to Part Shade Moisture Medium to Wet Characteristics Showy Foliage Bloom Time Summer Flower Color Green Foliage Color Colorful/Burgundy Foliage Uses Beds and Borders, Ground Covers, Naturalizing, Waterside Type Grasses