Reed Canary Grass

(Phalaris arundinacea)

Reed canary grass is 2-9 foot tall. The stem is hairless and stands erect. One of the first grasses to sprout in the spring. Only the ribbon grass cultivar (P. arundinacea var. picta) is listed as Restricted.

Other names for this plant include:

• Common names: reed canary grass
• Scientific names: P. arundinacea; Phalaroides arundinacea

Ecological threat:

• It forms dense, persistent monospecific stands in wetlands, moist meadows, and riparian areas that outcompete desirable native plants.
• Reed canary grass dominates a significant number of wetlands in the Midwest.