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| ## reed canarygrass {#reed-canarygrass .Title-Header}                 |
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| *Phalaris arundinacea* L.                                             |
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| Plant Symbol = PHAR3                                                  |
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Contributed by: USDA NRCS Pullman Plant Material Center, Pullman,
Washington

### 

# Alternate Names

gardener\'s-garters (Source: [Hortus
3](http://www.ars-grin.gov/cgi-bin/npgs/html/stdlit.pl?Hortus 3) ), reed
Canary grass (Source: [World Econ
Pl](http://www.ars-grin.gov/cgi-bin/npgs/html/stdlit.pl?World Econ Pl)
), ribbon grass (Source: [Dict
Gard](http://www.ars-grin.gov/cgi-bin/npgs/html/stdlit.pl?Dict Gard) ),
variegated grass (Source: [Webster\'s
Dict](http://www.ars-grin.gov/cgi-bin/npgs/html/stdlit.pl?Webster's Dict)
), alpiste roseau (Source: [Dict
Rehm](http://www.ars-grin.gov/cgi-bin/npgs/html/stdlit.pl?Dict Rehm) )
\[French\], Rohrglanzgras (Source: [Dict
Rehm](http://www.ars-grin.gov/cgi-bin/npgs/html/stdlit.pl?Dict Rehm) )
\[German\], kusa-yoshi (Source: F Japan Ohwi) \[Japanese\],
caniço-malhado (Source: [Dict
Rehm](http://www.ars-grin.gov/cgi-bin/npgs/html/stdlit.pl?Dict Rehm) )
\[Portuguese\], hierba cinta (Source: [Dict
Rehm](http://www.ars-grin.gov/cgi-bin/npgs/html/stdlit.pl?Dict Rehm) )
\[Spanish\], pasto cinto (Source: [Dict
Rehm](http://www.ars-grin.gov/cgi-bin/npgs/html/stdlit.pl?Dict Rehm) )
\[Spanish\] (USDA, ARS 2002)

# Uses

Use of reed canarygrass in the Pacific Northwest basically began at the
turn of the century. Farming commonly followed logging operations and
reed canarygrass was frequently used as the "breaking in" crop (Wheeler
1950). Stumps & logging debris and clearing operations left the land
unsuitable for planting crops such as small grains. Reed canarygrass was
planted in these areas to allow time for the stumps and debris to
degrade and be more easily removed at a later date.

Reed canarygrass popularity in the Pacific Northwest was a composite of
many factors. It is an extremely productive grass. Reports of production
far exceeding other grasses are common in the early literature. It is
very easy to establish and it persists very well. Most plantings
occurred during a period of history when farms were more self-reliant.
Livestock were pastured on the farm, and hay was grown on the farm
rather than purchased from hay brokers. It was a reliable, productive
forage. ![](media/image2.jpeg){width="2.2916666666666665in"
height="3.4375in"}

A second wave of interest in reed canarygrass occurred when wastewater
management became an important issue. Reed canarygrass has the ability
to respond exceedingly well to applied nutrients and one study showed a
yield response to levels as high as 920 pounds N/acre (Schmitt et al.
1999). Zeiders (1976) reported, "reed canarygrass is the most popular
species for irrigation with wastewater from municipal and industrial
sources as a pollution control measure".

The most recent wave of interest in reed canarygrass is occurring in
Europe. Reed canarygrass is being cultivated in northern Europe as a
biofuel and about 10,000 acres are in production in Scandinavia
(Kätterer et al (1998).

It is a plant with many uses. Unfortunately, reed canarygrass has proven
to be too aggressive in the Pacific Northwest. It moves out of
pastureland and into stream bottoms, wetlands, and canal banks. It
persists in areas where it is not desirable and is the bane of wetland
restoration.

# Status

Please consult the PLANTS Web site and your State Department of Natural
Resources for this plant's current status (e.g. threatened or endangered
species, state noxious status, and wetland indicator values).

# Weediness

This plant may become weedy or invasive in some regions or habitats and
may displace desirable vegetation if not properly managed. Please
consult with your local NRCS Field Office, Cooperative Extension Service
office, or state natural resource or agriculture department regarding
its status and use. Weed information is also available from the PLANTS
Web site at plants.usda.gov.

# Description

######## Reed canarygrass is 2-9 feet tall non-native with flat, rough-textured, tapering leaves from 31/2-10 inches long. The stem is hairless and stands erect. One of the first grasses to sprout in the spring, reed canary grass produces a compact panicle 3-16 inches long that is erect or slightly spreading. The flowers are green to purple early in the season and change to beige over time. The grass forms a thick rhizome system that quickly dominates the soil. There is some debate as to the origin of the species. Sources document native and non-native genotypes of reed canary grass. The non-native strain is thought to be more invasive than native strain.

*Distribution*: For current distribution, please consult the Plant
Profile page for this species on the PLANTS Web site.

# Adaptation

Growth of reed canarygrass begins early in the spring, senescence occurs
with summer drought, and limited vegetative growth resumes in the fall
if moisture is available. Sprouts will frequently be seen growing in
ephemeral ponded water in the spring. Carbohydrate reserves stored in
the rhizomes fuel the growth of these sprouts (Hovin et al. 1973). The
roots are not contributing to the growth in this situation because the
ponding causes an anaerobic condition. If the water remains on the stand
for a prolonged period the roots will eventually die because the
reducing environment will not only deprive roots of oxygen but will also
remove oxygen from the roots.

The culms are very tall and individual leaves grow from nodes along the
culm. The leaves of the lower culm become light deprived as the plant
grows and are replaced with new leaves higher up the culm. If the stand
is cut, new leaves will sprout from either rhizomes or from exposed
nodes on the shortened culm.

Biomass production is exceedingly high (as high as 9 tons/acre) but it
requires a tremendous amount of nutrients to sustain this growth.
Riparian soils tend to be very rich in nutrients, allowing reed
canarygrass to thrive. Limiting its growth by removing nutrients has not
been practical on a field scale. Indeed, there are stands that are hayed
every year and a large amount of nutrients subsequently removed, and yet
these stands continue to proliferate for decades.

Reed canarygrass is very competitive once established and will
frequently develop a solid monoculture. Tall growth enables reed
canarygrass to compete with other herbaceous species by depriving them
of light. Native herbaceous species that initiate growth late in the
spring are especially impacted by reed canarygrass.

# Establishment

Rhizomes account for much of the localized spread of reed canarygrass.
Rhizomes grow outwardly from a mother plant until the terminal bud
develops a shoot (Evans and Ely 1941). This is unlike quackgrass, which
develops shoots all along the rhizome axis. This allows reed canarygrass
to rapidly expand its local territory and a single rhizome or stem can
infest an entire drainage.

Reed canarygrass culms are also capable of rooting and establishing
stands (Hovin et al. 1973). Hovin and his coworkers reported that the
nodes of reed canarygrass culms become meristematically active once the
panicles are removed, and stage of development of the panicle affected
the percent survival of the new plants. Pre-anthesis culms rooted poorly
while culms from post-anthesis plants rooted better. Bank erosion and
transport of culms allows for yet another means of establishing plants
along a watercourse.

# Management

Seeds require several days at cool temperatures for a high percentage of
the seeds to germinate. The rate and amount of germination is typical
for most cool season pasture grasses, but pales in comparison to many
annual weeds. For comparison, yellow starthistle and cheatgrass can
achieve 75% germination within 2 days. Seedling development of reed
canarygrass is similar to other cool season pasture grasses. The
seedlings lack vigor and are very sensitive to competition. Morrison and
Molofsky (1998, 1999) reported that reed canarygrass seedlings were more
sensitive to interspecific competition then they were to decreased water
availability.

# Pests and Potential Problems

Reed canarygrass is a classic weed in many environments but in
environments subject to frequent & severe disturbances it has some
value. It persists very well in spite of grazing. The grazing period
lasts nine months west of the Cascades (Wheeler 1950). Few if any
grasses can tolerate grazing pressure this long. It also withstands
grazing periods as frequent as 2 weeks between rests with little
detrimental effects. It withstands annual burning and spring flooding
very well. It also tolerates heavy applications of wastes. It is
ecologically "stable state." The up-side \-- it is not very prone to
give way to noxious weeds. The down-side \-- natural transition to a
higher seral "more native" state is unlikely.

# Environmental Concerns

It is a plant with many uses. Unfortunately, reed canarygrass has proven
to be too aggressive in the Pacific Northwest. It moves out of
pastureland and into stream bottoms, wetlands, and canal banks. It
persists in areas where it is not desirable and is the bane of wetland
restorationists.

# Seeds and Plant Production

Reed canarygrass seed is quite small, very dense, and resembles timothy
seed because both are small, heavy, and naked. Fully sodded stands
produce only 30-50 pounds seed/acre (Schoth 1938). Old stands tend to
have a higher proportion of vegetative culms than reproductive culms.
Seed heads are borne on long culms and seeds mature from the top of the
head down. Fully ripe seeds are highly viable and shatter readily.
Indeterminate maturation allows for a prolonged period of seed
dispersal, which reduces seed predation. It also increases the chances
of some seed being dispersed by an episodic event such as an animal
brushing against a plant and some seed catching in its coat.

Rhizomes account for much of the localized spread of reed canarygrass.
Rhizomes grow outwardly from a mother plant until the terminal bud
develops a shoot (Evans and Ely 1941). This is unlike quackgrass, which
develops shoots all along the rhizome axis. This allows reed canarygrass
to rapidly expand its local territory and a single rhizome or stem can
infest an entire drainage.

# Control

##### Please contact your local agricultural extension specialist or county weed specialist to learn what works best in your area and how to use it safely. Always read label and safety instructions for each control method. Trade names and control measures appear in this document only to provide specific information. USDA, NRCS does not guarantee or warranty the products and control methods named, and other products may be equally effective.

# Cultivars, Improved, and Selected Materials (and area of origin)

These plant materials are readily available from commercial sources.
Contact your local Natural Resources Conservation Service (formerly Soil
Conservation Service) office for more information. Look in the phone
book under "United States Government." The Natural Resources
Conservation Service will be listed under the subheading "Department of
Agriculture."

# References

Always, F. 1931. *Early trials and use of reed canarygrass as a forage
plant*. J. Am. Soc. Agron. 23:64-66.

Evans, M.W. & J.E Ely 1941*. Growth habits of reed canarygrass*. J. Am.
Soc. Agron. 33:1017-1027.

Forman, D. 1998. *The effects of shade and defoliation on reed
canarygrass (Phalaris arundinacea L.) biomass production: a greenhouse
study*. Washington State University, M.S. Thesis, Pullman, Washington.

Hovin, A.W., B.E. Beck, & G.C. Marten 1973. *Propagation of reed
canarygrass (Phalaris arundinacea L.) from culm segments*." Crop Sci.
13:747-749.

Kätterer, T., O. Andrén, & R. Pettersson 1998. *Growth and nitrogen
dynamics of reed canarygrass (Phalaris arundinacea L.) subjected to
daily fertilization and irrigation in the field*. Field Crops Res.
55:153-164.

Kilbride, K.M. & Paveglio 1999. *Integrated pest management to control
reed canarygrass in seasonal wetlands of southwestern Washington*.
Wildl. Soc. Bull. 27:292-297.

Morrison, S.L. & J. Molofsky 1998. *Effects of genotypes, soil moisture,
and competition on the growth of an invasive grass, Phalaris arundinacea
(reed canarygrass)*. Can. J. Bot. 76:1939-1946.

Morrison, S.L. & J. Molofsky 1999. *Environmental and genetic effects on
the early survival and growth of the invasive grass Phalaris
arundinacea*. Can. J. Bot. 77:1447-1453.

Schmitt, M.A., M.P. Russelle, G.W. Randall, C.C. Sheaffer, L.J. Greub, &
P.D. Clayton 1999. *Effect of rate, timing and placement of liquid dairy
manure on reed canarygrass yield*. J. Prod. Agric. 12:239-242.

Schoth, H.A. 1938. *Reed canarygrass*. USDA Farmers' Bulletin 1602.
11pp.

Sheaffer, C.C., D.W. Miller, & G.C. Marten 1990. *Grass dominance and
moisture yield and quality in perennial grass-alfalfa mixtures*. J.
Prod. Agric. 3:480-485.

Stannard, M. & W. Crowder 2001*. Biology, history, and suppression of
reed canarygrass (Phalaris arundinacea*. USDA, NRCS, Plant Materials
Technical Note 43, Pullman Plant Materials Center, Pullman, Washington.
8pp.

Stout, D. Curator, USDA ARS West Region Plant Introduction Station,
Pullman, Washington.

Tsvelev, N. N. 1983. *Grasses of the Soviet Union, Part 1*. Publ.;
Oxonian Press Pvt. Ltd., New Delhi

USDA, ARS 2002. *Phalaris arundinacea*. Germplasm Resources Information
Network. Beltsville, Maryland

USDA, CSREES 2000*. Pacific Northwest weed control handbook*.
Cooperative Extension Services of Idaho, Oregon, and Washington.

Wheeler, W.A. 1950. *Forage and Pasture Crops: a handbook of information
about the grasses and legumes grown for forage in the United States.*
Publ.; D, Van Nostrand Co., NY

Zeiders, K.E. 1976. *A new disease of reed canarygrass caused by
Helminasporium catenarium*. Plant Disease Reporter 60:556-568.

Photo Credits:

"Purdue Forage Information"
<http://www.agry.purdue.edu/ext/forages/publications/grasses/reed-canry.htm>

"The Nature Conservancy"
<http://tncweeds.ucdavis.edu/photos/phaar04.jpg>

The use of product names in this document is for simplicity and
information, and does not imply endorsement by the NRCS over other
equivalent materials.

# Prepared By & Species Coordinators:

*Mark Stannard and Wayne Crowder*, USDA, NRCS, Pullman Plant Material
Center, Pullman, Washington

Edited: 11april02 jsp; 25feb03 ahv; 060802 jsp

For more information about this and other plants, please contact your
local NRCS field office or Conservation District, and visit the PLANTS
Web site\<[http://plants.usda.gov](http://plants.usda.gov/)\> or the
Plant Materials Program Web site
\<[http://Plant-Materials.nrcs.usda.gov](http://Plant-Materials.nrcs.usda.gov/)\>

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