Poaceae: Phalaris arundinacea
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Family Name
Poaceae
Common Name
Reed canary grass
Description
Phalaris arundinacea is a robust, perennial grass growing from a vigorous, rhizomatous root system. The roots are thick, fibrous, and rhizomes extend horizontally underground, allowing the rapid formation of dense colonies. Stems are erect, hollow, and can reach heights of 1 to 2.5 meters. The leaves are alternate, flat, and linear, 20 to 50 cm long and 1 to 3 cm wide, with rough margins and a prominent midrib. The leaf sheaths are open, and ligules are short and membranous. The inflorescence is a dense, cylindrical to spike-like panicle 5 to 15 cm long, blooming from late spring through summer (June–August). Spikelets are 5 to 7 mm long, each containing several florets with two glumes. Flowers have three stamens with yellow anthers and feathery stigmas. The fruit is a small caryopsis (grain) about 3 to 5 mm long, maturing in late summer. Reed canary grass is native to South Dakota and commonly found in wetlands, stream banks, marshes, ditches, and moist meadows throughout much of the state, especially in the eastern and central regions.
Horticulture Notes
Seed Collection: Collect mature seeds in late summer after drying on plants.
Germination: Seeds germinate readily in moist soils; no special treatment required.
Vegetative Propagation: Spreads vigorously by rhizomes; division possible.
Soils: Prefers moist to wet soils, tolerant of flooding.
Light: Full sun to partial shade.
Water: Prefers consistently moist or wet conditions.
Additional Notes
Reed canary grass is used for erosion control and wetland restoration due to its dense growth and soil stabilization. It provides habitat and forage for wildlife but can become invasive in areas outside its native range.