1. Phalaris arundinacea L.
REED CANARYGRASS
Phalaris arundinacea L.
Alexandra Zill

2. Characteristics Found in PA wet areas
Particular problem for Delaware River
Green erect plant with hollow stems 3-7 ft tall
Flowers in June

3. Characteristics Tolerates long periods of inundation
Also tolerant to drought
Spreads by rhizomes and wind
dispersed seeds
Outcompetes native species to
form monoculture
Seeds germinate immediately
after maturing
Vigorously spreading rhizomes
that are hard to completely eliminate

4. Characteristics
European stock brought in 1920’s as forage for livestock and erosion control
Native variety now nearly indistinguishable from introduced
Can buy cultivars at home centers (variegated Ribbon grass) and seeds on eBay
Can be confused with Common reed, Canada bluejoint, and Orchard grass

5. Control Hand pulling Burning Herbicides Discing/plowing Mowing
Covering with plastic
In all cases replanting with native species is important to preventing return and erosion
Continued monitoring necessary