USDA 

ilillllllllll United States Department ofAgriculture 

Field Guide for Managing

Giant Reed in the Southwest 

Forest Southwestern 

Service Region TP-R3-16-11 Revised June 2017 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cover Photos 

Left: James H. Miller, USDA Forest Service, Bugwood.org 

Right: James H. Miller, USDA Forest Service,Bugwood.org 

Bottom: David J. Moorhead, University of Georgia, Bugwood.org 

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Giant reed (Arundo donax L.) 

Grass family (Poaceae), Arundineae tribe 

Giant reed is an invasive grass common to riparian areas 

throughout the Southwest. It is listed on New Mexico’s 

noxious weed list. 

This field guide serves as the Forest Service’s 

recommendations for management of giant reed in riparian 

areas and waterways associated with its Southwestern 

Region. The Southwestern Region covers Arizona and 

New Mexico, which together have 11 national forests. The 

Region also administers 4 national grasslands located in 

northeastern New Mexico, western Oklahoma, and the 

Texas panhandle. 

Description 

Giant reed (synonyms: phragmites, carrizo, giant reed, 

arundo grass, donax, elephant grass, Spanish cane, wild 

cane, oboe cane) is a bamboo-like grass with stems that 

grow over 20 feet tall. It is an Asian native and was 

cultivated for thousands of years in southern Europe, 

northern Africa, and the Middle East. It was introduced 

into southern California for use as an ornamental and as an 

erosion control species along drainage ditches. From a 

distance, giant reed looks like a corn plant and is similar in 

appearance to common reed (Phragmites australis L.), a 

native grass found widely across the Unit

Growth Characteristics 

ed States. 

• Introduced perennial grass, 20 to 30 feet tall. 

• Root system consists of tough, fibrous, lateral 

rhizomes, and deep roots. 

• Robust, hollow, stems up to 2 inches in diameter 

with knotty nodes. 

• Pale green to blue-green alternate leaves; 1 to 2 

inches wide and 1 to 2 feet long that grow at 180° 

angles from one another. Lower part of leaf isyellow 

and clasps the stem in a distinctive “S” wave. 

• Flowers June through November, depending on 

location. Inflorescence is a dense, plume-like 

panicle, 1 to 2 feet long. 

• Seed viability is very low, seedling establishment 

from germinated seed is quite rare. Primary 

reproduction is vegetative; sprouts from disturbed 

stems or rhizomes, even those buried 3 to 10 feet 

deep. 

Ecology 

Impacts/Threats 

Giant reed forms dense monocultural stands and often 

crowds out native vegetation for soil moisture, nutrients, 

and space. When dry, it is highly flammable and becomes a 

fire danger in riparian habitats unaccustomed to sustaining 

fire. It uses far more water than native vegetation, thus 

disturbing the natural flood regime. One study showed 

giant reed to transpire 56,200 acre-feet of water over the 

course of a year, whereas native species only transpired 

18,700 acre-feet. Giant reed provides limited shade along 

bank edges as compared to native willow or cottonwood, 

resulting in warmer stream temperatures and increased 

algae photosynthesis. Water quality in a waterway may be 

impacted when the nontoxic ammonium ion (NH4+

) from 

decaying reed materials is transformed into toxic ammonia 

(NH3

). There is a sharp decline in the number and variety 

ofwildlife associated with dense giant reed stands. Giant 

reed also has high levels of chemical defense compounds 

in its stems and leaves that can inhibit other vegetation. 

Site/Distribution 

Giant reed is a common hydrophytic 

disturbed and undisturbed streamban

flood plains, drainages, and irrigation

in moist soils (moderately saline or n

and wetland or riparian areas. Giant r

Russian olive and saltcedar in many s

communities. It is usually limited to 

in elevation. 

Spread 

plant found along 

ks, desert springs, 

 waterways. It thrives 

eutral), sand dunes, 

eed occurs with 

outhwestern riparian 

areas under 5,000 feet 

Giant reed can spread with or without flooding. Stem or 

root parts smaller than 2.5 inches in size have the potential 

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to re-sprout if a node is present. Grading and construction 

accelerate spread due to soil disturbance. Rhizomes buried 3 

to 10 feet under soil will still produce surface shoots. 

Invasive Features 

Shoots and stems grow rapidly (as much as 4 inches per 

day during spring) outpacing native plant growth. Shallow 

parts of the root system along stream edges are susceptible 

to undercutting which contributes to bank collapse and 

spreading of reproductive parts downstream. Giant reed 

grows back quickly following fire, thereby increasing its 

dominance over native riparian species. 

Management 

Giant reed is not easily managed. Mechanical options for 

giant reed control have considerable limitations due to 

regeneration from root or stem fragments. In general, the 

most effective treatment to control giant reed is to spray a 

foliar systemic herbicide when plants are green and 

actively growing. Two insect species are currently being 

studied for eventual use as classical biocontrol agents. 

Patches of giant reed growing in riparian areas often cross 

jurisdictional land boundaries. Successful management in 

these areas depends on close cooperation and coordination 

among affected parties. The following actions may be 

useful when different land ownerships are involved: 

1. Consult with all interested landowners and land 

managers and conduct planning meetings for 

coordination purposes. 

2. Acquire information that is helpful for planning and 

management purposes including a map database 

showing locations of giant reed infestations, land 

ownership, land use, hydrology, and potential 

project sites. Areas rich in native vegetation and 

biodiversity values (such as habitats of rare or 

endangered flora and fauna) should also be 

included. 

3. Identify priority areas for treatment from acquired 

sources of information. 

4. Establish site-specific goals and assess risks of 

various treatment options for priority areas. 

5. Develop a site-specific action plan to meet goals 

and objectives for priority areas. 

Table 1 summarizes management options for some 

common situations involving giant reed. Further details on 

these management options are explained below. Choice of 

control method for giant reed depends on the extent of 

infestation, site conditions, current land use, terrain, and 

accessibility. Other considerations include treatment 

effectiveness, cost, and the number of years needed to 

achieve control. More than one control method may be 

needed for each site. 

Physical Control 

Manual Methods 

Hand removal is very difficult, but digging can be used for 

individual plants (usually < 6 feet tall). To improve 

handling, first cut the canopy near the surface by using a 

chain saw, machete, or pruning shears before pulling up 

remaining portions of reed stems, rhizomes, and roots. 

Shovels, mattocks, or pick-ax are the most commonly used 

tools. The root mass and associated rhizomes must be 

entirely removed from the soil. Rain-moistened loose soils 

are most conducive to hand-pulling. Uprooted material 

should be removed or burned onsite to prevent re-rooting. 

For recommendations on handling debris of giant reed, see 

table 2. 

Mechanical Methods 

Mechanical methods used to control giant reed range

individual plant treatment (digging up with hand tool

backhoes, etc.) to broad-scale clearing with hammermowers, root plows, rakes, etc. Broad-scale mechani

control usually causes major soil disturbance and int

with native plant establishment. In some cases, other 

noxious weeds may invade cleared sites, which will 

require additional management. Mechanical control i

usually more effective when combined with chemical

control and planting and/or seeding of desired native 

species as follow-up. For recommendations on handli

giant reed debris, see table 2. 

from 

s, 

flail 

cal 

erferes 

s 

ng 

If using machinery to manage giant reed, the equipment 

should be cleaned after use to prevent movement of root 

fragments or stems into un-infested areas. 

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Table 1. Management options* 

Site Physical Control Cultural Control Biological Control Chemical Control 

Dense, nearly pure Complete root removal Coordinate control Consider grazing Targeted broadcast or 

stand of giant reed is necessary for effective efforts with other with goats to suppress individual plant treatment 

located along a control but this is landowners. sprouting. (IPT) application with a 

waterway; goal is 

to suppress or 

provide high 

mortality. 

extremely difficult to 

accomplish using only 

physical methods. 

Mowing or burning followed 

later by spraying regrowth is 

usually the most practical 

approach. 

A gall wasp (Tetramesa 

romana) and a scale insect 

(Rhizaspidiotus donacis) 

may become available as 

classical biocontrol agents 

(see “Biological Control” 

segment below). 

herbicide approved for use in 

aquatic or riparian areas. 

Methods include cut-stump, 

ground foliar applications, and 

aerial application by helicopter. 

Site with a uniform Cut dormant top growth Same as above. Same as above. Same as above. 

older dense stand using a hammer-flail mower 

of giant reed on in fall-winter, followed by 

accessible level application of herbicide to 

terrain (< 30% re-sprouts the following 

slope) such as open year; and again in summer 

areas on a flood of the third year. Can also 

plain. cut with a rotary brush 

cutter, chain saw, or tractor 

mounted mower. 

Site is difficult to Remove localized Same as above. Same as above. Use individual plant treatment 

access and targeted populations with shovels (IPT) methods such as cut 

control is needed. or picks; cut top growth stump or direct foliage 

May also be used first to make root removal spraying with a hand-held or 

when giant reed is more manageable. Care backpack sprayer. 

< 6 feet tall and should be taken to pull up 

protection of other rhizomes. Remove and 

resources properly dispose of all 

(sensitive native biomass from the site or 

plants, wildlife, burn piled material onsite. 

endangered Most effective in rainspecies, etc.) is moistened loose soils. 

necessary. Anticipate re-sprouting 

and the need for followup spraying. 

* Choice of a particular management option must be in compliance with existing regulations for the land resource. 

Excavating using a backhoe or excavator and grapple can winter and follow up with herbicide spraying the next 

be used to remove small, dense stands of giant reed. Pre- season, and again in summer of the 3rd year. 

cutting is unnecessary since the long stems may be an aid Prescribed Fire 

to pull roots up. Excavating is not recommended in the 

Prescribed fire as a single control method is not streambed or along streambanks since root material may recommended for giant reed management. As a caution, be washed downstream. 

wildfires in some areas have shifted riparian communities 

Mulching can be used on accessible sites that have less toward a monoculture of giant reed, which has resulted in 

than 30 percent slope and do not have sensitive terrain. A a greater long-term fire hazard. However, broadcast 

hammer-flail mowerattached to a tractor or a rotary brush- burning to remove standing dried plants before or after 

cutter is often used to cut top growth. Cut in late fall or herbicide spraying is a feasible option in certain situations. 

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Onsite burning is also an effective way to dispose of piled, 

previously cut or pulled rhizomes and stems. 

Cultural Control 

Education, collaboration, and coordination among 

landowners are necessary for monitoring and the laborintensive efforts used to control giant reed. Managing 

native plants solely to increase competition with giant reed 

is likely to fail due to the invasive nature of this weed. 

Nurseries still stock giant reed as an ornamental, which 

can serve as a source of escaped stock in non-invaded 

areas if planted too close to waterways. 

Biological Control 

Grazing 

Although giant reed is not very palatable to livestock, 

animals will graze young green shoots during the dry 

season. Angora or Spanish goats may be usedto suppress 

re-sprouts after other treatments have been made. 

Classical Biological Control 

Two introduced insects, the arundo gall wasp (Tetramesa 

romana) and the arundo scale (Rhizaspidiotus donacis) 

were recently released in Arizona and Texas as biocontrol 

agents (see table 3). Larvae of the gall wasp create galls in 

primary and lateral shoots thereby reducing plant growth 

and development. Arundo scale attacks the rhizomes and 

developing underground buds of giant reed. Both of these 

insects may become available for biocontrol throughout 

the Southwest in the future. 

Organisms (insects, pathogens, etc.) used as biocontrol 

agents in southwestern States should be adaptable to arid 

environments and local conditions. Public, tribal, and 

private land managers may obtain biocontrol agents for 

release directly from local offices of the USDA Animal 

and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) when these 

agents are available. Other sources for biocontrol agents 

include locally developed insectaries or private 

companies. 

A permit must be obtained from APHIS before biocontrol 

agents can be transported across State lines. Regulations 

and permit applications (PPQ 526 permit forms) 

pertaining to interstate shipment of biocontrol agents can 

be found at https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/ourfocus/ 

planthealth/import-information/permits/regulatedorganism-and-soil-permits/sa_apply/ct_plantpest 

_howtoapply. Although biocontrol agents may be 

collected and released internally in a given State without 

an APHIS permit, the State’s department of agriculture or 

Table 2. Debris management options 

Debris 

Management 

Option 

Associated Control 

Methods 

Rationale/Recommendations Special Considerations 

Leave in place Systemic herbicide spray; 

mulch-spray. 

Cutting or removing sprayed plants 

before the herbicide has fully impacted 

the rhizome and roots may result in resprouting. 

In some situations, sprayed plants left in 

place can create a fire hazard or impede 

flood control. 

Burn onsite All control methods Broadcast burning before or after 

other planned mechanical or chemical 

treatments reduces standing biomass. 

Burning piled debris prevents potential 

re-sprouting. 

Obtain required permits and alert local fire 

departments about activities. An air quality 

management district may have restrictions 

such as drying time before burn. 

Mulching, 

chipping, or 

composting onsite 

Use in combination with 

other methods such as 

cutting and later spraying. 

Re-sprouting from debris is 

unlikely as long as plant parts are 

kept well away from wet 

situations; best used in remote 

areas. 

Locate debris piles away from flowing 

water to prevent redistribution of plant 

parts. Debris is difficult to chip or mulch. 

Remove debris Manual methods, such as 

cut only or mechanical 

methods. 

Plant parts will no longer be onsite to 

re-sprout; use choke-chain or rope to 

bundle debris or pile debris on a tarp 

to haul. 

Labor intensive and finding a disposal 

company may be difficult because debris is 

hard to transport. 

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Table 3. Classical biocontrol agents for giant reed being studied in Arizona and Texas 

Species Type of 

Agent Site of Attack/Impact Use/Considerations for 

Release Remarks 

Tetramesa 

romana 

gall wasp Primary and lateral shoots resulting in 

shorter, thinner shoots compared to 

ungalled shoots; shoot mortality also 

observed 

Impacts are subtle and take 

time to manifest. 

Releases have been made in watersheds 

of the Verde River in Arizona and Rio 

Grande River in Texas; not readily 

available at this time. 

Rhizaspidiotus 

donacis 

armored 

scale 

Causes lateral shoot deformities. Still being developed. Releases have been made in Rio Grande 

River watershed in Texas; not readily 

available at this time. 

agricultural extension service should be consulted for any 

regulations relating to movement of these agents within 

the State. 

Chemical Control 

Herbicide application is effective for controlling giant 

reed, but 3 to 5 years of repeated management with 

herbicides will probably be necessary for complete, longlasting control. Herbicides primarily used to control giant 

reed are imazapyr and/or glyphosate (table 4). These 

herbicides are nonselective so caution should be taken if 

non-target plants, including woody species, need to be 

protected. Both herbicides have labels approved for 

aquatic use that allow plants growing near the water’s 

edge to be sprayed. When using aquatic formulations, an 

aquatically approved surfactant should be added to the 

spray mix. It is important to read the label carefully and 

follow all instructions and guidelines when mixing and 

applying either herbicide. Special permits may be 

necessary when treating near some public lakes or streams. 

Herbicide Application 

Herbicides may be applied to giant reed with a cut-stump 

method or a foliar application: 

Cut stump treatment involves hand-cutting giant reed 

stems 2 to 4 inches above the ground surface and then 

applying a concentrated herbicide solution (50 to 75 

percent glyphosate) to the cut stump surface.Apply 

herbicide immediately (within 1 to 3 minutes of cutting) 

using a paintbrush, sponge-tipped wand, hand-held spray 

bottle, or backpack sprayer. The lower ratio is used when 

applications are made with a backpack sprayer or handheld spray bottle whereas the higher ratio is used when the 

solution is brushed directly onto the cut stump. A nonionic 

surfactant (0.5 percent by volume) and a blue indicator dye 

should be added to the spray mixture. 

A cut-stump treatment with herbicide may be used from 

October through December. Timing for cut stump 

treatments is not as sensitive as other methods; however, 

late fall application is optimal due to high translocation 

rates. Avoid treating when the plant is dormant. Cut debris 

should be appropriately disposed of to prevent re-rooting 

(see table 2). The short window of time required between 

stem cutting and herbicide application adds to the 

difficulty in successful use of this method. 

Foliar treatment of giant reed includes application by 

helicopter or fixed wing aircraft, truck and ATV-mounted 

sprayers, towed sprayers, and backpack or hand-held 

sprayers. Any equipment used to spray herbicide should be 

calibrated. Choice of method for spraying giant reed is 

usually dictated by site and growing conditions. For foliar 

applications, actively growing plants that are in full to late 

flower should be targeted. This timing ensures that the 

maximum amount of herbicide will be moved through the 

upper portions of the plant to the root system. In the 

Southwest, the optimal time for spraying is generally from 

August to late November. 

IPT foliar spraying is best used to treat shorter giant reed 

plants (< 6 feet in height). A hand-held,pump-up or 

backpack sprayer is practical for low growing plants. 

When mixing the spray solution, add a 0.5 percent by 

volume nonionic surfactant and an indicator blue spray dye 

to easily see coverage on the foliage. Wet the entire 

canopy without allowing dripping to occur. Consider 

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Table 4. Herbicide recommendations 

Common 

Chemical 

Name (active 

ingredient) 

Product Example1 

Broadcast 

Treatment 

(rate per 

acre) 

Spot 

Treatment 

(spray 

solution) 2 

Time of 

Application Remarks 

Glyphosate Rodeo, Roundup, Accord, 

and many other products 

are available. 

Read the label carefully 

(products may have either 

2 or 4 pounds active 

ingredient (a.i.) per gallon 

depending on 

manufacturer) 

0.5–1 pint 

(using a 

product with 2 

pounds a.i. per 

gallon) 

2–5% + 0.25% 

nonionic 

surfactant 

Healthy green 

plants in 

flower but 

before 

dormancy 

(August to 

late October). 

Rodeo is approved by EPA for use 

in wetland and riparian areas. 

Nonselective amino acid inhibitor 

in glyphosate will kill desirable 

vegetation. Glyphosate causes new 

growth to yellow, and death will 

occur within 2 to 3 weeks. 

Imazapyr Habitat, Arsenal, and 

other available products 

1–2 quarts 1–3% + 0.25% 

nonionic 

surfactant 

Same as 

above. 

This herbicide causes new growth 

to die slowly and results may not be 

observed until the next season. 

Habitat is approved by EPA for use 

in wetland and riparian areas. 

Imazapyr is a nonselective 

herbicide that will kill desirable 

vegetation. In addition to spray 

drift, non-target plants may be 

killed or injured by imazapyr 

through runoff, residue movement 

in soil, or root exudates from 

treated plants. 

Glyphosate + Rodeo + Habitat Tank mix 1 1% + 1% mixed Same as Effective individual plant treatment 

imazapyr quart Rodeo with 0.25% above. or ground application. Spray to wet 

with 1 quart nonionic the entire canopy and foliage. 

Habitat surfactant Injury or death for non-target plants 

may occur from overspray of both 

active ingredients and by (1) 

movement of imazapyr in soil or 

(2) imazapyr contained in root 

exudates. 

1 Trade names for products are provided for example purposes only, and other products with the same active ingredient(s) may be available. Individual 

product labels should be examined for specific information and appropriate use with giant reed. 

2 Spray solution is the herbicide/water ratio in a spray mix that may be used for spot treatment with backpack or hand-held sprayers. The amount of product 

applied during an annual growing season must not exceed the maximum application rate per acre as specified by the product label – refer to the product 

label for the site type and application. 

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covering non-target vegetation with a tarp or cutting 

down nearby native plants that will grow back (such as 

willow) before applying herbicide. Do not spray during 

high winds or before anticipated rainfall as these 

conditions reduce the effectiveness of foliar application 

methods. Unless the canopy growth creates a fire or 

flood hazard, consider leaving the sprayed stems in 

place to insure complete herbicide activity. 

Helicopter spraying is particularly useful for areas with 

very dense populations of giant reed, such as stands 

with more than 80 percent cover that are difficult to 

access with ground application methods. A helicopter is 

thepreferred method for application since it is able to 

spray difficult, “tight” areas that require precision 

application, such as the edge of a meandering river or 

marsh. However, aerial application may not be suitable 

for areas with powerlines, high-use roads, or areas with 

desirable trees and other flora. 

Integrated Control Methods 

The following combinations of control methods should 

be considered for managing giant reed: 

Cut–regrow–spray is often used in areas where giant 

reed is mature and overgrown with little space between 

canes. Cut stalks using a brush cutter, chain saw, or 

loppers early in the growth season. Remove debris (see 

table 2). Wait 3 to 6 weeks or until plants grow to a 

height of about 3 feet, then apply Rodeo® as a 2 to 5 

percent foliar spray solution. Spray healthy green plants. 

Benefits of this method include a reduction in herbicide 

usage and plants that are of uniform height when 

sprayed. Follow-up monitoring and spraying regrowth 

should be anticipated the next growing season. 

Mulch–excavate–spray is useful for treating highly 

dense stands of giant reed. A hammer-flail mower 

attached to a tractor or a rotary brush cutter can be used 

on canes in the fall (October to November). A trackmounted excavator is used after mulching to remove 

roots and stack debris (see table 2). Follow-up herbicide 

treatment is the same as the cut–regrow–spray 

treatment sequence described above. It is highly 

recommended that the site be monitored and spot 

treated for re-sprouting plants for 3 to 5 years after the 

initial treatment. 

Management Strategies 

Controlling giant reed is difficult, and complete 

eradication may be unrealistic under many situations. 

Therefore, primary objectives for managing giant reed 

are often focused on suppression of existing infestations 

and reducing giant reed spread through maintenance of 

healthy plant communities. When implementing giant 

reed control, consideration should be given to the 

following: 

• Address giant reed populations near waterways 

and wherever the likelihood is high for plant 

parts to be spread via flowing water. Then 

address populations that would only be affected 

by high water or by 100-year-flood events. When 

possible, begin treatment of giant reed at the 

uppermost parts of waterways and work 

downstream from there. 

• Choose a control approach that is most likely to 

complement future restoration efforts. Remove 

giant reed from high quality areas first. These 

areas are likely to respond favorably to 

restoration. Then work on controlling dense, 

accessible stands that are most easily managed. 

Without special planning and care, invasive plants other 

than giant reed may rapidly invade treated areas. Before 

treating giant reed, always evaluate how the plant 

community is likely to respond once the grass is 

removed. A contingency plan should be in place to 

monitor and treat invasive weeds after treatment. In 

many instances, treated areas will naturally return back 

to the desired riparian community without revegetation. 

However, artificial plantings or seeding may be 

necessary for complete restoration in other situations. 

It should be anticipated that consecutive years of field 

treatments will be necessary to substantially reduce 

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giant reed. Control efforts will likely require 3 to 5 

years of persistent, repeated treatment. Since it is 

ordinarily useless to treat an area only one time without 

re-treatment, sufficient resources must be allocated for 

the area where control is attempted. After initial 

treatment, it is especially important that resources are 

also available to respray or retreat the treated area 

successfully. Previously treated areas should always be 

continuously monitored and retreated when necessary 

to control recovering giant reed. Failure to perform 

follow-up management may result in a return of the 

infestation. 

References and Further 

Information 

Bell, G. 1997. Ecology and management of Arundo 

donax, and approaches to riparian habitat 

restoration in Southern California. In J.H. Brock 

et al. (ed.) Plant Invasions: Studies from North 

America and Europe. Blackhuys, Netherlands. 

pp. 103–113. Available at http://ceres.ca.gov/ 

tadn/ecology_impacts/arundo_ecology.pdf 

(accessed Feb. 2010). 

Dudley, T. 2000. Arundo donax. In C.C. Bossard et al. 

(eds.). Invasive Plants of California’s Wildlands. 

University of California Press. Berkeley, CA 

Available at http://www.cal-ipc.org/ip/ 

management/ipcw/online.php (accessed Feb. 

2010). 

Duncan, K. and K. McDaniel. 2009. Chemical weed 

and brush control for New Mexico rangelands. 

Coop. Exten. Serv. Circular 579. New Mexico 

State Univ. Las Cruces, NM. Available at http:// 

aces.nmsu.edu/pubs/_circulars/CR_597.pdf 

Goolsby, J.A., P.J. Moranb, A.E. Racelisc, K.R. 

Summy, M.M. Jimenez, R.D. Lacewelle, A.P. 

de Leon and A.A. Kirk. 2015. Impact of the 

biological control agent Tetramesa romana 

(Hymenoptera: Eurytomidae) on Arundo donax 

(Poaceae: Arundinoideae) along the Rio Grande 

River in Texas. Biocont. Sci. Tech. 26(1):47–60. 

Iverson, M.E. 1993. Effects of Arundo donax on water 

resources. In: Arundo donax workshop 

proceedings (Online). Team Arundo del Norte 

(Producer). Accessed at http://www.fs.fed.us/ 

database/feis/plants/graminoid/arudon/all.html 

(accessed Feb. 2010). 

McWilliams, J.D. 2004. Arundo donax. In: Fire Effects 

Information System (Online). U.S. Department 

of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain 

Research Station, Fire Sciences Laboratory 

(Producer). Available athttp://www.fs.fed.us/ 

database/feis/plants/graminoid/arudon/all.html 

(accessed Feb. 25 2010). 

Renz, M. and F. Sholedice. 2006. Troublesome weeds 

of New Mexico. p. 56–57. New Mexico State 

Univ. College of Agriculture and Home 

Economics and Cooperative Extension Service. 

Las Cruces, NM. Available at http://www. 

emnrd.state.nm.us/fd/Publications/documents/ 

NMTroublesomeWeeds.pdf 

Tracy J. and C.J. DeLoach. 1998. Suitability of classical 

biological control for giant reed (Arundo donax) 

in the United States. p. 73–154. In C. Bell (ed.). 

1998. Arundo and saltcedar: the deadly duo. 

Proc.Arundo and Saltcedar Workshop, Univ. of 

California Coop. Extension. 158 pp. 

Trumbo, J. 2000. Control of giant cane in riparian and 

wetland areas of northern and central California. 

(CA Dept. Fish and Game: Pesticides 

Investigations Unit. USEPA Grant No. CD99976-

01-0) final report. Available at http://ceres.ca.gov/ 

tadn/control_manage/DFG-EPAreport.html 

(accessed March2010). 

8 
 

 

 

 

 

For more information or 

other field guides, contact: 

USDA Forest Service 

Southwestern Region 

Forest Health 

333 Broadway Blvd., SE 

Albuquerque, NM 87102 

Or visit the Southwestern Region’s 

website for invasive species: 

http://www.fs.usda.gov/goto/r3/invasivespecies 

The use of trade or firm names in this publication is for reader 

information only and does not imply endorsement of any 

product or service by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. 

Recommendations made here for 

pesticide use are not obligatory, 

nor do they imply that discussed 

uses have been registered. All 

uses of pesticides must be 

registered by appropriate State 

and/or Federal agencies before 

they can be applied. 

CAUTION: Pesticides can be 

injurious to humans, domestic 

animals, desirable plants, and fish or other wildlife—if they are 

not handled or applied properly. Use all pesticides carefully 

and lawfully. Follow recommended practices for the disposal 

of surplus pesticides and pesticide containers.