 INVASIVE PLANTS OF OHIO
Fact Sheet 6 - Factsheet in .pdf format
Reed Canary Grass
Phalaris arundinacea
DESCRIPTION:
Reed canary grass is a 2-9 foot tall, non-native grass with flat, rough-textured, tapering leaves from 3 1/2-10 inches long. The stem is hairless and stands erect. One of the first grasses to sprout in the spring, reed canary grass produces a compact panicle 3-16 inches long that is erect or slightly spreading. The flowers are green to purple early in the season and change to beige over time. This grass forms a thick rhizome system that quickly dominates the soil. There is some debate as to the origin of the species. Sources document native and non-native genotypes of reed canary grass. The non-native strain is thought to be more invasive than the native strain.
HABITAT:
Reed canary grass occurs in wetlands such as marshes, wet prairies, wet meadows, fens and stream banks. This grass quickly dominates areas of wet, exposed soils and can also grow in areas of standing water by producing special roots off the submersed portion of the stem. Reed canary grass can also grow on dry soils in upland sites and under partial shade; however, it does best in full sun and moist soils.
DISTRIBUTION:
The non-native strain of reed canary grass was introduced from Europe and Asia in the early 1800s. It was selected for its vigor as a forage crop and erosion control. In Ohio, reed canary grass is widespread throughout the state.
PROBLEM:
Reed canary grass reproduces vegetatively as well as by seed. It aggressively dominates an area and displaces the native vegetation replacing it with a monoculture of grass. This species of grass produces little in the form of shelter and food for wildlife, although it has been used for bank stabilization in wetlands and waterways. Seeds are easily dispersed by means of waterways, animals and people.
CONTROL:
Mechanical
In smaller patches, hand-pulling or digging may be effective. Mowing can be used to control seed production by mowing in early to mid-June and early October before seed matures. This also exposes the soil to light which will promote the growth of other species. Discing or plowing can also be used to control a well-established population. Although prescribed burning can be effective, it must be repeated annually for 5 or 6 years. Timing may be difficult due to fluctuating water levels and the growth stage of the plants at burn time. A combination of these measures used together may improve results.
Chemical
Herbicides, such as Accord® or Glypro®, can be applied to control reed canary grass. Fusilade DX®, a grass specific herbicide, can be applied in non-wetland areas. Herbicide should be applied in early spring when nontarget species are still dormant. Removal of the previous year's growth to expose the new green shoots aids effectiveness of the chemical and minimizes the amount needed. Foliar application of Glypro® to larger monocultures of reed canary grass can be effective. Chemical treatments following mowing in the fall season can help control this grass as well.
Biological
There are currently no biological control methods in use for reed canary grass.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION SOURCES:
Hoffman, R. and K. Kearns, eds. 1997. Wisconsin Manual of Control Recommendations for Ecologically Invasive Plants. Bureau of Endangered Resources, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.
Hutchison, M. 1990. Vegetation Management Guideline: Reed canary grass (Phalaris arundinacea). Illinois Nature Preserves Commission.
Lyons, K.E. 2000. Element Stewardship Abstract for Phalaris arundinacea. The Nature Conservancy.
|