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All Species

Reed Canarygrass

Phalaris arundinacea

Why is it a problem?

  • Invades wetlands, forming dense stands that outcompete all native vegetation, threatening waterfowl and small mammal habitat
  • Threatens salmon streams by increasing silt deposition and constricting water ways, altering hydrology and degrading salmon habitat
  • Spreads by seed and creeping rhizomes that can grow 9 feet per season, forming thick mats of vegetation; Roots and seeds are transported along waterways
  • Common along roadsides and other disturbed areas; Can cause hay fever and allergies

How do I manage it?

  • Small patches can be dug up as soon as they are spotted; Make sure to get all root fragments
  • For larger infestations, clip flowers before they mature to prevent seed set; Regular mowing will prevent plants from going to seed, but cut stems can be difficult to distinguish from native grasses
  • Mechanical controls are labor intensive and require long-term monitoring and re-treatment; Selective herbicides are effective
  • Plants may re-establish from seeds even after control; Difficult to impossible to eradicate once established

More info on species biology