Reed canary grass

? Reed canary grass
Reed canary grass inflorescence
Plant Info
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae Division: Magnoliophyta Class: Magnoliopsida Order: Poales Family: Poaceae Genus: Phalaris Species: arundinacea
Binomial name
Phalaris arundinacea L.

Reed canary grass (Phalaris arundinacea) is a tall, coarse-looking perennial grass that commonly forms extensive single-species stands along the margins of lakes and streams and in wet open areas, with a wide distribution in Europe, Asia, northern Africa and North America.

Foliage and stems

The stems can reach 2 m in height. The leaf blades are blue-green when fresh and straw-colored when dry. The flowers are borne on the stem high above the leaves and are pinkish at full bloom.

A number of cultivars of P. arundinacea have been selected for use as ornamental plants, including variegated (striped) cultivars – sometimes called ribbon grass – such as Dwarfs Garters and Strawberries and Cream. The latter gets its name from the large white stripes and pinkish color that appears on the leaves at varying times. When grown, although drought tolerant, it likes abundant water and can even be grown as an aquatic plant.

In many places, reed canary grass is an invasive species in wetlands, particularly in disturbed areas. It is also planted as a hay crop or for forage. Furthermore it provides fibers which find use in pulp and papermaking processes.

Leaves of P. arundinacea contain DMT, 5-MeO-DMT and related compounds (Smith 1977).

References and external links

• Germplasm Resources Information Network: Phalaris arundinacea
• Flora Europaea: Phalaris arundinacea
• Flora of China: Phalaris arundinacea
• USDA Plants Database: Phalaris arundinacea
• Jepson Manual Treatment - taxonomy and distribution within California
• Images and information about alkaloid extraction on Erowid