SPECIES CHARACTER
Description
This large, coarse grass has erect, hairless stems, usually from 2 to 6 feet (0.6-
1.8 meters) tall. The ligule is prominent and membranous, 1/4 inch (0.6 cm) long and
rounded at the apex. The gradually tapering leaf blades are 3 1/2-10 inches (8.9-25.4 cm)
long, 1/4-3/4 inch (0.6-1.9 cm) wide, flat, and often harsh on both surfaces. The compact
panicles are erect or sometimes slightly spreading and range from 3-16 inches (7.6-40.6 cm)
long with branches 1/2-1 1/2 inches (1.2-3.8 cm) long. Single flowers occur in dense
clusters in May to mid-June or August. Inflorescences are green or slightly purple at
first, then become tan. Seeds are shiny brown.
The species growth form is highly variable. Reed canary grass is considered native to
Illinois, but a Eurasian ecotype has been introduced widely. Plant size, panicle shape,
and panicle size are not correlated to geographic distribution.
Similar Species
It is extremely difficult, if not impossible, to distinguish the native and non-native
ecotypes. Reed canary grass closely resembles orchard grass (Dactylis glomerata). It
differs from orchard grass in that reed canary grass's leaves are much wider, the
inflorescence is more narrow and pointed, and the individual flowers have a different
shape. The glumes and lemmas (scales that are part of the spikelet) of orchard grass are
hairy, while those of reed canary grass are glabrous. Reed canary grass should be
accurately identified before attempting any control measures. If identification of the
species is in doubt, the plant's identity should be confirmed by a knowledgeable individual
and/or by consulting appropriate books.
Distribution
This grass is found throughout the world except Antarctica and Greenland. The
Mediterranean region is the center of diversity of the genus. It is locally common in
Illinois wetlands, particularly in the northern part of the state where it frequently
occurs in wet meadows and marshes.
Habitat
This species occurs in wetlands, including marshes, wet prairies, wet meadows, fens, stream
banks, and swales. It has been planted widely for forage and for erosion control.
Life History
Reed canary grass is a coarse, sod-forming, cool-season, perennial grass, native to
temperate regions of Europe, Asia, and N. America, and adapted to much of the northern half
of U.S. It occurs from wet to dry habitats with best growth on fertile and moist or wet
soils (shores, swales, meadows). Reproduction is from seed and vegetatively by stout,
creeping rhizomes. It begins growth in early spring, growing vertically 5-7 weeks after
germination, and then expands laterally. Growth peaks in mid-June and declines in
mid-August. Vegetative vigor is related to maximum root and shoot production. Seeds ripen
in late June and shatter when ripe. The native reed canary grass is not thought to be
aggressive as is the Eurasian ecotype.
Effects Upon Natural Areas
It is a major threat to marshes and natural wetlands because of its hardiness, aggressive
nature, and rapid growth. Native wetland and wet prairie species are replaced after
several years of reed canary grass presence. It is of particular concern because of the
difficulty of selective control.
CONTROL RECOMMENDATIONS
RECOMMENDED PRACTICES IN NATURAL COMMUNITIES OF HIGH QUALITY
Fire can help control the spread of reed canary grass and keep it out of high quality
wetlands. Repeated late autumn or late spring burning for several years can control this
species. Annual burning may be needed for 5-6 years before good control is apparent.
Burning is most effective where other species are present or in the seed bank, since fire
allows native, fire-adapted species to compete successfully. Fire is not very effective in
dense monocultures of this grass where seeds or plants of native species are absent.
The native reed canary grass should not be totally eliminated, but no reliable method for
telling the difference between the forms is known. Control measures should be implemented
when reed canary grass degrades the natural quality or diversity of a community.
RECOMMENDED PRACTICES IN BUFFER AND SEVERELY DISTURBED SITES
Prescribed fire as described above should be used in areas that will burn. Hand removal
for control may be feasible in small stands. There is evidence that hand chopping the
culms at flowering time may kill small clones. Certain herbicides are effective where
there is no real concern for damage to surrounding native species. Rodeo, a formulation of
glyphosate designed for use in wetlands, will kill reed canary grass, especially young
plants, when applied to foliage according to label recommendations. Rodeo should be
applied in early spring when reed canary grass is green and most native wetland species are
still dormant. The area should be checked after spraying, and any surviving reed canary
grass should be sprayed the following spring. Dalapon and Amitrol also reportedly kill
canary grass, although no Illinois natural area managers were found that have experience
with these herbicides. All 3 herbicides are licensed for use in aquatic areas. Rodeo
and Amitrol are nonselective herbicides that will kill all vegetation contacted. Dalapon
selectively kills grasses and monocots, but not broadleaf plants. Spraying foliage with
Roundup (a formulation of glyphosate) mixed according to label instructions and subsequent
burning of dead residue has been moderately effective in northern Illinois. However,
Roundup is not licensed for use in aquatic areas and should only be used in areas without
standing water.
When using any herbicide, precautions should be taken to avoid contacting nontarget species.
Do not spray so heavily that herbicide drips off the target species. The herbicide should
be applied while backing away from the treated area to avoid contacting wet herbicide. By
law, herbicides only may be applied as per label instructions and by licensed herbicide
applicators or operators when working on public properties.
Where practical, it can be useful to sow in seed of nearby native grasses and forbs after
reed canary grass has died (due to control efforts) or gone dormant. Seed of nearby native
grasses and forbs should be collected when ripe and then raked into the sod as soon as the
reed canary grass has died.
FAILED OR INEFFECTIVE PRACTICES
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Dr. Robert M. Mohlenbrock and the Southern Illinois University Press generously permitted use of illustrations from their Illustrated Flora of Illinois.
REFERENCES
Apfelbaum, S. I., and C. E. Sams. 1987. Ecology and control of reed canary grass (Phalaris arundinacea L.). Natural Areas Journal 7(2):69-74.
Gleason, H. A. 1952. The new Britton and Brown illustrated flora of the northeastern United States and adjacent Canada. The New York Botanical Garden, New York.
Fernald, M. L. 1950. Gray's manual of botany, eighth edition. American Book Co., New York.
Mohlenbrock, R. H. 1986. Guide to the vascular flora of Illinois. Southern Illinois University Press, Carbondale.
Phillips Petroleum Company. 1956. Undesirable grasses and forbs. Section 3 of series. Bartlesville, Oklahoma.
Steyermark, J. 1963. Flora of Missouri. Iowa State University Press, Ames.
PERSONAL COMMUNICATION
Abrell, Brian. 1988. Division of Nature Preserves, Indiana Department of Natural Resources, Indianapolis, Indiana.
Harty, Fran. 1988. Division of Natural Heritage, Illinois Department of Conservation, Springfield, Illinois.
McFall, Don. 1988. Division of Natural Heritage, Illinois Department of Conservation, Springfield, Illinois.
Nyboer, Randy. 1988. Division of Natural Heritage, Illinois Department of Conservation, Springfield, Illinois.
Olson, Steve. 1988. Division of Nature Preserves, Indiana Department of Natural Resources, Tell City, Indiana.
Packard, Steve. 1989. The Nature Conservancy, Chicago, Illinois.
Schennum, Wayne. 1989. McHenry County Conservation District. Ringwood, Illinois.
Schwegman, John. 1988. Division of Natural Heritage, Illinois Department of Conservation, Springfield, Illinois.
Stritch, Larry. 1988. Shawnee National Forest, United States Forest Service, Harrisburg, Illinois.
Wilhelm, Gerould. 1989. Morton Arboretum. Lisle, Illinois.
Written for the Illinois Nature Preserves Commission by:
Max Hutchison
Natural Land Institute
R.R. 1
Belknap, Illinois 62908