Is this plant invasive?

Yes, it is highly invasive in many regions and can quickly choke out native vegetation.

Can I grow it in a pot?

It is generally too large and aggressive for standard containers unless they are extremely heavy duty.

Plant guide

Giant reed.

Arundo donax

Pronounced uh-RUN-doh DOH-naks

Also known as Arundo grass, Bamboo reed, Cow cane, Donax cane, Giant cane, River cane, Spanish cane/reed, Wild cane, Reedgrass, Bamboo Reed, Cana brava, Elephant Grass, Giant Reed, Reed

The giant reed is a tall, bamboo like perennial grass that thrives in moist, sunny environments. It spreads rapidly through underground rhizomes, making it a vigorous grower in the right conditions. You will often see it forming dense stands near water sources.

Another photo of Giant reed — Photo by zebedeugalinha (CC BY) via iNaturalist

At a glance

Care level: Easy
Plant type: Perennial grass
Light: Full sun
Indoor light: Direct sun
Water: Every 3 to 7 days
Mature size: 6 to 10 meters
Growth rate: Fast
Hardiness: USDA 6 to 10
Bloom time: Late summer to autumn

Care

Provide plenty of space as this plant spreads aggressively. Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during the growing season. Watch for signs of invasive spread into unwanted areas and manage accordingly.

Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist, as this plant loves water.
Feeding: Apply a balanced fertilizer once during the spring.
Pruning: Cut back dead or damaged stems in late winter to encourage fresh growth.
Repotting: Repot only if necessary, as this plant prefers to be established.
Soil: Loamy, moist, well draining soil
Soil pH: 6.0 to 8.0
Temperature: -23 to 40°C
Humidity: 40 to 80%
Drought tolerance: Moderate
Lifespan: Perennial, can persist for many decades.
Deer and rabbits: High

Signs it needs repotting

Roots growing out of drainage holes
Plant becoming top-heavy and tipping over
Growth slowing significantly

Safety

People: The plant is not highly toxic, but the sharp leaf edges can cause significant skin cuts and irritation.
Pets: It is generally considered non toxic to cats and dogs.
Children: The sharp, razor-like edges of the leaves pose a significant cutting hazard to small children playing near the plant.
Contact allergens: The stiff, serrated leaf margins can cause painful mechanical skin abrasions.
Airborne allergens: The large, plume-like flower heads release significant amounts of wind-borne pollen that may trigger hay fever.
Edibility: This plant is not considered edible and may contain alkaloids that cause digestive distress.

How to identify it

Tall, bamboo like hollow stems
Large, alternate lance shaped leaves
Plume like flower clusters at tips
Rapidly spreading rhizomatous root system

Height: 3 to 6m
Spread: 1 to 3m
Leaves: green, blue-green, deciduous
Flowers: silver, purple, 30 to 60cm

Problems to watch for

RustCommon
Root RotUncommon
Stem BorersUncommon
SmutRare

By symptom

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Growing it

Propagation: division, rhizome cuttings
When to plant: spring, autumn
Overwintering: Cut the stalks down to the ground in late winter or early spring to encourage fresh, vigorous growth for the coming season.
In containers: It is not recommended for containers due to its massive root system and height, but if attempted, use a very large, heavy-duty tub.

Rhizome Division

1. Dig up a section of the root mass in early spring.
2. Use a sharp spade to divide the rhizomes into smaller chunks.
3. Replant the divisions immediately into moist, well-draining soil.

Because this plant is so aggressive, it is best kept in a contained area or as a standalone feature to prevent it from outcompeting neighbors.

Grows well with

Canna Lily · Both plants enjoy similar moisture levels and provide a dramatic tropical look.
Elephant Ear · They share a preference for damp soil and create a lush, layered visual effect.

Similar species

Common Reed · It shares a similar tall, grass-like habit and invasive nature in wetlands.

Science

Family: Poaceae
Genus: Arundo
Order: Poales
Class: Liliopsida
Native range: Mediterranean basin and parts of Asia.
Conservation: It is considered an aggressive invasive species in many parts of the world, particularly in riparian zones, and should not be planted near wild waterways.

It thrives in moist, disturbed soils and spreads rapidly through underground rhizomes to form dense, impenetrable thickets.

Value to wildlife: nesting material, shelter
Pollinators: bees, butterflies
Uses: ornamental screen, windbreak, erosion control, woodwind instrument reeds

Through the year

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Flowering

Fruiting

Foliage

Ecological indicators

Salinity: 4/9
Soil reaction: 6/9
Light: 8/9
Temperature: 7/9
Moisture: 7/9
Nutrients: 6/9

Taxonomy resolved against GBIF.

Questions people ask

Is this plant invasive?: Yes, it is highly invasive in many regions and can quickly choke out native vegetation.
Can I grow it in a pot?: It is generally too large and aggressive for standard containers unless they are extremely heavy duty.

Where the name comes from

The genus name Arundo is the Latin word for reed, while the specific epithet donax is derived from the Greek word for a type of reed used for arrows.

Good to know

It is one of the fastest-growing plants in the world.
It has been used for centuries to make fishing rods and walking sticks.
The plant is highly flammable when dry, posing a fire risk in some regions.
It is often confused with bamboo but is actually a tall perennial grass.

Also in

Deer-resistant plants

Keep your giant reed growing

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This guide was generated with AI on September 26, 2026 and checked against GBIF taxonomy. It is general information, not horticultural or veterinary advice. Read about how we build these guides.