Phalaris arundinacea L. REED CANARYGRASS Phalaris arundinacea L. Alexandra Zill

Characteristics Found in PA wet areas Particular problem for Delaware River Green erect plant with hollow stems 3-7 ft tall Flowers in June

Characteristics Tolerates long periods of inundation Also tolerant to drought Spreads by rhizomes and wind dispersed seeds Outcompetes native species to form monoculture Seeds germinate immediately after maturing Vigorously spreading rhizomes that are hard to completely eliminate

Characteristics European stock brought in 1920’s as forage for livestock and erosion control Native variety now nearly indistinguishable from introduced Can buy cultivars at home centers (variegated Ribbon grass) and seeds on eBay Can be confused with Common reed, Canada bluejoint, and Orchard grass

Control Hand pulling Burning Herbicides Discing/plowing Mowing Covering with plastic In all cases replanting with native species is important to preventing return and erosion Continued monitoring necessary