WARNING: LOCALLY INVASIVE SPECIES
,
Species Native to Missouri
Common Name: reed canary grass
Type: Ornamental grass
Family: Poaceae
Zone: 4 to 9
Native Range: Northern and southern temperate regions
Height: 3 to 6 feet
Spread: 3 to 8 feet
Bloom Time: June to July
Bloom Color: Pink, White
Bloom Description: White to pale pink
Sun: Full sun to part shade
Water: Medium to wet
Maintenance: Medium
Flowers: Showy Flowers
Tolerates: Clay Soil, Wet Soil, Drought, Air Pollution, Black Walnuts
Uses: Rain Garden, Will Naturalize
This plant is listed as an exotic invasive species to Missouri and the Midwest by the Midwest Invasive Plant Network. The species should not be planted in the Midwest.
Culture
Easily grown in average, moist, well-drained soils in full sun to part shade. Wide range of soil tolerance from wet (will grow in several inches of water) to dry, sand to clay, or acidic to alkaline. When grown to cover large areas, four plants per square yard will quickly fill such an area. Propagate by division or seed. Once established, this rhizomatous grass is very difficult to eradicate.
Noteworthy Characteristics
Reed canary grass is an upright, rhizomatous, cool season perennial grass which typically grows to 3-6' tall. It is native to North America, Europe, Asia and North Africa. It is a wetland species that is found throughout Missouri on stream banks, pond/lake margins, marshes, fens, and bottomland prairies plus disturbed sites including roadsides, ditches, railroad right-of-ways and pastures (Steyermark). European genotypes are reportedly more aggressive and invasive than North American genotypes. Flat, green leaf blades (to 8-16" long and 2/3" wide) are attractive from spring to early summer, but tend to brown up as the summer progresses. Airy panicles (to 6-12" long) of greenish white to pale pink flowers bloom above the foliage in early summer (June-July). Flowers are conspicuous but not particularly showy. Stems are sometimes hollow, giving it a bamboo-like quality.
Problems
Reed canary grass is a rhizomatous, self-seeding spreader that is difficult to control. It is considered to be a significant invasive threat to wetland ecosystems. It spreads aggressively to form dense monocultures. Any tiny segment of root or rhizome can spout and spread. Use of soil barriers should be considered at the time of planting to prevent rhizomes from spreading into unwanted areas.
Garden Uses
Invasive grass that is not recommended for planting in midwestern landscapes. It has in the past been used as a ground cover or barrier, for erosion control and as a forage crop.