Species › Plants › Reed Canary Grass

Reed Canary Grass

Phalaris arundinacea

CommonPlant
Illustration of Reed Canary Grass (Phalaris arundinacea)

Reed Canary Grass is a tall, perennial grass known for its aggressive growth. It is often used for erosion control but can become invasive.

Habitat
Thrives in wetlands, ditches, and along riverbanks.
Diet
Provides habitat and food for waterfowl and other wildlife.
How common
Common

Best time to see a Reed Canary Grass

The best time to see a Reed Canary Grass is May–July, when about 70% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 7,657 research-grade iNaturalist observations.

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

Not certain it is a Reed Canary Grass? What plant is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.

Recent Reed Canary Grass sightings near you

Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.

Spotted a Reed Canary Grass?

Point Huck at any plant, bird, or animal and know for sure - plus a live map of where it is being spotted near you.

Get Huck - free
5,300+species
63national parks
50states

More plants

Rice Cutgrass
Rice Cutgrass
Leersia oryzoides
River Birch
River Birch
Betula nigra
River Oats
River Oats
Chasmanthium latifolium
Riverbank Grape
Riverbank Grape
Vitis riparia
Rock Elm
Rock Elm
Ulmus thomasii
Rock Polypody
Rock Polypody
Polypodium virginianum
Rock Spikemoss
Rock Spikemoss
Selaginella rupestris
Rocky Mountain Bristlecone Pine
Rocky Mountain Bristlecone Pine
Pinus aristata