Reed Canarygrass

       

Reed Canarygrass (Phalaris arundinacea) Grass family

Small infestations found in Fairbanks area - Report immeddiately if found! Call 479-1213

Tall reed-like perennial rising from stout rhizomes. Stems are hollow, 2 to 6 feet tall, with bluish-green waxy coating. Leaf blades flat, up to 3/4 inch wide, with transparent ligules. Panicle inflorescence is 6 to 18 cm long with spikelets occurring in clusters on short scabrous branches. Seed heads compact at first then opening at maturity.

Forms dense, persistent, mono-specific stands that may threaten salmon habitat. Difficult to impossible to eradicate once established. Spreads with creeping rhizomes, effectively excluding all other vegetation.

More information

Distribution

Fairbanks Soil and Water Conservation District Tanana Valley Farmers Market U.S. Army Corp of Engineers UAF Cooperative Extension Service USKH Inc. Natural Resources Conservation Service