History and Management Practices Reed Canary Grass History and Management Practices

What is Reed Canary Grass? Scientific Name: Phalaris arundinacea A Perennial (>2years) Bluegrass: that commonly forms extensive single-species stands along the margins of lakes, streams, and throughout wet open areas, with a wide distribution in Europe, Asia, northern Africa and North America.

Description Appearance: Perennial coarse cool season grass, grows 2 - 6' high. Specially selected for its vigor, and is one of the first to sprout in spring. Flowers: Densely clustered single florets, green to purple changing to beige over time, blooms May to mid-June. Roots: Vegetative reproduction through horizontal stems growing below the soil surface, called rhizomes, creating a thick impenetrable mat at or directly below the soil surface.

Background & History Cultivation: began as early as 1749 in Sweden The geographic origins: are unclear.  Native to Europe: It was cultivated so early in history, that it is difficult to determine if it was present in North America pre-European settlement.    Today: P. arundinacea present in this region may be a mix of native and agricultural cultivars. 

Historical & Present Uses Forage crop: adapted for permanent hay or pasture on sites too wet for good performance of other forage plants. Erosion control: extensive, rhizomatous root system and dense growth provide excellent erosion control, however this use has caused problems in many situations along waterways. Filtering fields: it is well suited for use in seeding filter fields which collect wastewater from food processing industries, livestock operations, and sewage treatment plants. Wildlife: provides some nesting, forage, and escape cover for some species. Note: the lack of diversity and density of growth can negatively effect many native animals.

Ecological Threat Highly aggressive and invasive: it out competes most native species Creates a monoculture: leaving little to no plant diversity, decreasing wildlife diversity and disturbing ecological balance Grows too densely: to provide appropriate cover for small mammals and waterfowl.  Can lead to increased siltation: along drainage ditches and streams Blocks fish and wildlife passage: by the thick mat it creates throughout wetlands and waterways

Control Methods & Management Mechanical: Consecutive annual burns spring or fall Mowing mid-June and October to reduce seed and encourage native species Frequent cultivation followed by fall seeding Chemical: Application of glyphosate (Rodeo)- may have severe effects on health of native plants and wildlife. Prescribed Burning: Stimulates growth unless burned down to the sod layer. Generally used as a pretreatment to other methods

Control Methods & Management… Manual: Hand weeding/tilling Smothering e.g. with shade cloth, black plastic, cardboard, heavy mulch etc. Shading out through evergreen tree planting and herbaceous cover Grazing in combination with another method of control Continuous mowing to reduce seed bank followed by another method of control * Best Management Practices involve a combination of many methods

Restoration in Action Smothering Tree planting Hand Removal Weed Whacking

Restoration Success! Native Plant Diversity Healthy Birds & Wildlife Fish Passage Biological Diversity