THE LIFE OF REED CANARY GRASS Aaron,Mike, Flower, Samantha

The reed canary grass is a great flower, but it has to go

Affect on the ecosystem including natives. The reed canary grass is highly tolerant to flooding and resistant to burning. It quickly forms virtual monocultures by shading native grasses and forbs with it’s dense growth and litter production. Reed canary grass is a prolific seed producer and spreads through rhizome growth at an amazing rate.

How Bad Is The Current Situation This plant may become invasive in some regions or habitats and may displace desirable vegetation if not properly managed. Due to the cool climate it ripens very late and the production of seeds is limited. It was abandoned due to a high content of alkaloids.

Origin of Reed Canary Grass & how it came to Oregon Reed Canary grass is a wetland grass native to Europe, Asia and North America English farmers brought it to the Eastern US in the 1850’s The grass was promoted nationwide and by 1885 farmers in Oregon were planting and harvesting it.

Future Complications & Previous control efforts Reed Canary Grass easily invades wetlands, and over time makes them unsuitable fo other plants and animals. It is regularly controlled by mechanical and chemical practice. The planting of well adapted native species follows the elimination of reed canary grass