Is this plant invasive?

Yes, it is highly invasive and can outcompete native vegetation in wetlands.

Can I grow it in a container?

It is not recommended due to its aggressive rhizomatous growth habit.

Plant guide

Reed canary grass.

Phalaris arundinacea

Pronounced fa-LAIR-iss a-run-di-NAY-see-uh

Also known as Gardener's Garters, Gardener's-garters, Reed Canary Grass, Reed Canary-Grass, Reed Canarygrass, Reed-grass, Reed-canary Grass, Ribbon Grass

Reed canary grass is a hardy, cool season perennial that spreads through underground stems. It thrives in moist soils and often forms dense stands near water. You will find it is quite vigorous and can become invasive in some regions.

At a glance

Care level: Easy
Plant type: Perennial grass
Light: Full sun to partial shade
Indoor light: Direct sun
Water: Every 1 to 3 days
Mature size: 2 to 6 feet
Growth rate: Fast
Hardiness: USDA 3 to 9
Bloom time: Late spring to early summer

Care

Keep the soil consistently moist as this plant loves water. Watch for it spreading beyond its intended area, as it can be quite aggressive. It requires very little attention once established.

Watering: Keep the soil very damp at all times.
Feeding: It rarely needs extra food if planted in fertile soil.
Pruning: Cut back dead foliage in late winter or early spring.
Repotting: Divide the root mass if it becomes too crowded.
Soil: Wet, heavy, or poorly drained soils
Soil pH: 6.0 to 8.0
Temperature: -30 to 35°C
Humidity: 40 to 80%

Safety

People: The plant contains gramine and other alkaloids that are considered toxic if consumed.
Pets: This plant is generally considered non toxic to cats and dogs.
Children: The sharp, serrated leaf edges can cause paper cut style injuries to children handling the foliage.
Contact allergens: The leaf edges are sharp and can cause minor skin abrasions.
Airborne allergens: The pollen can trigger seasonal allergies in sensitive individuals.
Edibility: This plant contains alkaloids that can be toxic to livestock and humans if ingested in large quantities.

How to identify it

Tall, hairless, erect stems
Flat, rough, blue green leaves
Dense, spike like panicle inflorescence
Ligules are prominent and membranous

Height: 0.6 to 1.5m
Spread: 1 to 5m
Leaves: green, deciduous
Flowers: green, purple, 5 to 20cm
Fruit: brown, late summer

Problems to watch for

Rust · Fungal infection causing orange or brown pustules on the leaves.

By symptom

Plant problems by symptom

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Growing it

Propagation: division, seed
When to plant: spring, autumn

Only pair this grass with other highly vigorous, moisture loving plants to prevent it from taking over the entire space.

Grows well with

Joe Pye Weed · It shares similar moisture requirements and can hold its own against the grass.
Swamp Milkweed · This plant provides a nice color contrast in wet meadow settings.

Similar species

Common Reed · Both are aggressive, wetland grasses that can dominate habitats.

Science

Family: Poaceae
Genus: Phalaris
Order: Poales
Class: Liliopsida
Native range: Temperate regions of Europe, Asia, and North America.
Conservation: It is considered an invasive species in many parts of North America and is often subject to control efforts.

It thrives in wet, disturbed soils where its aggressive rhizomes allow it to form dense, exclusive colonies.

Value to wildlife: larval host plant, nesting material
Pollinators: bees
Uses: erosion control, ornamental grass, wildlife habitat

Through the year

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Flowering

Fruiting

Foliage

Ecological indicators

Salinity: 2/9
Soil reaction: 5/9
Light: 7/9
Temperature: 5/9
Moisture: 8/9
Nutrients: 6/9

Taxonomy resolved against GBIF.

Questions people ask

Is this plant invasive?: Yes, it is highly invasive and can outcompete native vegetation in wetlands.
Can I grow it in a container?: It is not recommended due to its aggressive rhizomatous growth habit.

Where the name comes from

The name Phalaris comes from the Greek word for a type of grass, while arundinacea refers to its reed like appearance.

Good to know

It is one of the first grasses to emerge in the spring.
The roots form a dense mat that is excellent for stabilizing muddy banks.
It has been used historically for making paper pulp.

Keep your reed canary grass growing

This page is a general guide. Save your plant in Pocket Botanist and you get care reminders timed for this plant, plus a care history that shows what worked.

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This guide was generated with AI on October 19, 2026 and checked against GBIF taxonomy. It is general information, not horticultural or veterinary advice. Read about how we build these guides.