Reed Canarygrass (Phalaris arundinacea)
Grass family

EDRR Early Detection Rapid Response: If found, report immediately! Contact the Juneau Invasive Weed Coordinator at (907) 586-6878.

Plant Identification: Tall reed-like perennial rising from stout rhizomes. Stems are hollow, 2 to 6 feet tall, with bluish-green waxy coating. Leaf blades flat, up to 3/4 inch wide, with transparent ligules. Panicle inflorescence is 6 to 18 cm long with spikelets occurring in clusters on short scabrous branches. Seed heads compact at first then opening at maturity.

Threat: Forms dense, persistent, mono-specific stands that may threaten salmon habitat. Difficult to impossible to eradicate once established. Spreads with creeping rhizomes, effectively excluding all other vegetation.

Found: Reed Canarygrass is found alongside almost all of Juneau’s highways and ditches. It used for erosion control before we knew its consequences to our natural environments. Please help prevent the spread.

Distribution Map: Reed Canarygrass (Phalaris arundinacea) (External Link to EDDMapS website)

Detailed information sheet (Link to .pdf at UAA ENRI Alaska Natural Heritage Program)

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