Species Overview

Native to: Eurasia, possibly North America

Reed canary grass has been planted throughout the United States since the 1800s for forage and erosion control. Its native range is in question with some sources considering it native to North America but undergoing rapid range expansion. Other sources suggest that it is likely that populations of P. arundinacea in the US consist of a mixture of agronomic cultivars (introduced from Europe) and native varieties (Merigliano and Lesica, 1998). 

Species Characteristics

Family: Poaceae

Habit: Perennial clumping grass up to 9 feet tall.

Leaves: Rough flat green leaves that gradually taper to the tip are 1-4 feet long and 3/4- 1 inch wide.

Flowers: Tight panicles of tiny flowers are greenish-white to pinkish flowers.

Seeds: The inflorescence color changes from green to purplish to tan as the seeds mature. There are both sterile and fertile lemmas.

Distribution in Florida: Not present

Impacts

It typically invades seasonally wet or continually moist areas and can spread rapidly along ditch systems as well as in wetlands, meadows, and riparian areas. Large quantities of highly mobile seed are produced in its first year, and a soil seed bank rhizome bed quickly build up. It forms dense stands outcompeting native vegetation and reducing overall biodiversity.

Clean all equipment and clothing that has been exposed to infested areas.

Burning has been documented as an effective means of control in areas where native plants will benefit from fire. Solarization can reduce but not eliminate infestations.

Mowing and tilling are generally ineffective due to rapid re-growth from rhizomes and seeds that remain in the soil. 

None known.

Glyphosate, amitrole, dalapon and paraquat have all shown some success. Consult your local UF IFAS Extension Office for management recommendations.