View source for Canary grass

{{Taxobox
| color = lightgreen
| name = Canary grass
| image = Phalaris_canariensis.jpg
| image_width = 200px
| regnum = [[Plant]]ae
| divisio = [[Magnoliophyta]]
| classis = [[Magnoliopsida]]
| ordo = [[Poales]]
| familia = [[Poaceae]]
| genus = ''[[Phalaris (grass)|Phalaris]]''
| species = '''''P. canariensis'''''
| binomial = ''Phalaris canariensis''
| binomial_authority = [[Carolus Linnaeus|L.]]
}}

'''Canary Grass''' is a plant, ''Phalaris canariensis'' belonging to the family [[Poaceae]]. Originally a native of the [[Mediterranean]] region, it is now grown commercially in several parts of the world for bird seed, hence the name. This large, coarse grass has erect, hairless stems, usually from 2 to 6 feet (0.6- 1.8 meters) tall. The [[ligule]] is prominent and membranous, 1/4 inch (0.6 cm) long and rounded at the apex. The gradually tapering leaf blades are 3 1/2-10 inches (8.9-25.4 cm) long, 1/4-3/4 inch (0.6-1.9 cm) wide, flat, and often harsh on both surfaces. The compact panicles are erect or sometimes slightly spreading and range from 3-16 inches (7.6-40.6 cm) long with branches 1/2-1 1/2 inches (1.2-3.8 cm) long. Single flowers occur in dense clusters in May to mid-June or August. [[Inflorescence]]s are green or slightly purple at first, then become tan.

The seeds are shiny brown. The seed is used as bird food, and is generally mixed with [[rapeseed]] and other seeds that cheapen it. It should be kept in a dry place and away from vermin. Industrially, a flour made from seed is employed in the manufacture of fine cotton goods and silk stuffs. In the [[Canary Islands]], [[Italy]] and [[North Africa]], it is used as food.

The species growth form is highly variable. Reed canary grass is considered native to [[Illinois]], but a Eurasian ecotype has been introduced widely. Plant size, [[panicle]] shape, and panicle size are not correlated to geographic distribution.

==External links==

*[http://www.hort.purdue.edu/newcrop/afcm/cangrass.html Alternative Field Crops Manual]

==References==
*{{Grocers}}

[[Category:Grasses]]
[[Category:Flora of Africa]]
[[Category:Flora of Europe]]
[[Category:Cereals]]
[[Category:Underutilized crops]]