Reed canarygrass is an invasive cool-season grass in the Poaceae (grass) family. There are native canarygrasses, but this weedy one is native to Eurasia. Clumps form extensive single-species stands along the margins of lakes and streams and in wet open areas. They can reach heights of 6-9 feet and quickly crowd out native plants. They spread by rhizomes and seeds and are very difficult to eradicate once established.The plant will grow in almost any soil type and pH range in full sun to part shade. The rough, flat leaves grow 1-4 feet long and panicles of flowers are produced in early summer, followed by seedheads. In winter, the clump collapses, making walking through it difficult and providing no cover for wildlife. Although it is often a wetland invader, it can tolerate drier environments due to its deep root system. See native grasses listed to the left. Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: It can spread aggressively. See native alternatives in the left-hand column. Listed as invasive by the NC Invasive Plant Council and by many other states.
Curated pairwise relationships between this plant and others in the library — who feeds
whom, who competes, who confuses the pests. Green reads as a good pairing, red as one to avoid.
No curated interactions recorded for this species yet.
Also noted by NC State
Related species the NC State Plant Toolbox flags for this plant — look-alikes to tell
apart, and plants that play a similar role in a planting. Ones we carry in the library are linked.
Often confused withLiriope muscari 'Silvery Sunproof'