I should be a large image.

Reed Canarygrass

Phalaris arundinacea

Updated Feb 08, 2023

Make a Positive Identification

Reed canarygrass is a native, perennial (lives many years) grass. It emerges in early spring and grows 6 feet tall from seeds, stem fragments, and creeping rhizomes.
Invasive, non-native populations were planted during the late 1800s and 1900s in the Pacific Northwest as a forage crop.
Both native and non-native populations may require control for your site. The control strategy is the same for both species.
Reed canarygrass establishes and thrives in sites with wet, saturated, or nearly saturated soils. It forms dense stands that suppress other plants.

Species: Reed canarygrass

Caleb Slemmons, National Ecological Observatory Network, Bugwood.org

Reed canarygrass grows up to 8 feet tall. It grows in agricultural fields, drainage ditches, roadsides, and natural areas.

Species: Reed canarygrass

Leslie J. Mehrhoff, University of Connecticut, Bugwood.org

Mature grass blades are ¼–⅓ inch wide and up to 14 inches long. The blades taper toward the tip. The round stems stand mostly upright and by mid to late summer some stems may lean down to the ground. The stems are hairless.

Species: Reed canarygrass

Rob Routledge, Sault College, Bugwood.org (altered)

Reed canarygrass has a papery, 1/8–1/4 inch long flap of material (ligule), which is highlighted in the white box in the photo. It grows from where the leaf blade connects to the stem (leaf sheath).

Species: Reed canarygrass

Leslie J. Mehrhoff, University of Connecticut, Bugwood.org

Flowers are densely clustered spikes up to 12 inches long, as shown in the photo. They often have dark-green or purple streaks.

Species: Reed canarygrass

Ken Chamberlain, The Ohio State University, Bugwood.org

Reed canarygrass flower heads create thousands of seeds that easily disperse, and lead to new plants.

Species: Reed canarygrass

Ohio State Weed Lab , The Ohio State University, Bugwood.org

Seeds germinate to form new plants such as the seedling shown in the photo.

Species: Reed canarygrass

Leslie J. Mehrhoff, University of Connecticut, Bugwood.org

Reed canarygrass forms a robust, spreading root system. It forms dense patches.

Free help Identifying Weeds, Insects & Pests

Get expert pest management info & advice online from OSU's Ask Extension.

Get Help

LOOK-ALIKES: OTHER PHALARIS SPECIES & JOHNSONGRASS

Species: Harding grass

Joseph M. DiTomaso, University of California - Davis, Bugwood.org

Harding grass (Phalaris aquatica) is a perennial grass that grows in wet areas.
Harding grass is a long-lived bunch grass that looks similar to reed canarygrass. Harding grass flower heads are 2- to 5-inch-long, dense spikes.
In comparison, reed canarygrass flowers are open, green to purple, and grow up to 12 inches long.
Control methods for Harding grass are similar to solutions for reed canarygrass.

Species: Johnsongrass

"Sorghum halepense - Johnsongrass" by Matt Lavin is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.

Johnsongrass (Sorghum halepense) is a perennial grass that grows up to 8 feet tall from seeds and creeping rhizomes (roots).
Its flowers grow in pyramid- or cone-shaped flower heads from late spring to early fall. They range from purple-brown to golden to pale green.
In comparison, reed canarygrass flowers grow in dense spikes.

How to Get Rid of Johnsongrass

Reed Canarygrass Benefits

Reed canarygrass is forage for grazing animals. Otherwise, it is an aggressive weed.

Reed Canarygrass Risks

Reed canarygrass forms dense stands in wet areas. It crowds out desired vegetation and damages irrigation and drainage infrastructure.
It forms dense stands that degrade wetlands areas by suppressing native plant species growth.
Reed canarygrass hinders streamside restoration projects.

Risk Card

Does it cause harm?

Adults & Children

None

Property

High

Pets

None

Annoyance

High

Environment

High

Action Recommended

TAKE ACTION

If you have reed canarygrass on your property, take action to control in gardens, landscapes, orchards, and restoration areas.

Do I need to take action?
Yes. Remove individual plants and small patches. Established patches require several years to control.

What if I do nothing?
Reed canarygrass forms dense stands and is difficult to control. The longer you wait to act, the more difficult it will be to control it.

NEED HELP?

Consider a licensed pest control company. Learn How to Hire a Pest Control Company.
Your local Extension Specialist in Oregon and other states can suggest other methods.

Solutions for Reed Canarygrass

Early Detection & Rapid Response

Watch for reed canarygrass on property you manage. Remove it before it becomes a bigger problem.

Physical Removal of Plants & Non-chemical Methods

Dig out small patches, and make sure to remove the root mass and all the rhizomes.

Herbicides (Weed Killers)

Herbicides effectively control reed canarygrass when used according to the label instructions.

Monitoring & Follow-Up

Restore the area by planting native trees and shrubs to shade out reed canarygrass. Monitor the area and re-treat as needed.
It takes repeated effort over several years to get rid of a large, established stand of reed canarygrass.

Method	Does it work?	Is it safe?	Recommendation
A Physically Removing Plants & Tarping	Effective	Low risk	Recommended
B Glyphosate, Imazapyr & Grass-Selective Herbicides	Effective	Moderate risk	Use if Necessary
C If Using Herbicides, Protect Yourself & Minimize Risks
D PREVENT REED CANARYGRASS

Physically Removing Plants & Tarping

Non-Chemical Method

Weston Miller, Oregon State Univeristy

Physically Removing Plants & Tarping

Recommended

Dig out small patches. Smother larger patches.

Does it work?	Effective Use preventive measures for best results.
How much effort?	High effort Removal of all rhizome fragments is difficult when you are managing an established stand. Control requires several years of monitoring and effort.
What's the risk?	Low risk
Possible risk of exposure or harm from chemicals	NONE

Dig out small patches, and remove the root mass and all the rhizomes.
For larger patches, completely cover plants throughout the growing season. Use thick, synthetic tarps, light-impermeable landscape fabric, or geotextile fabric products.

Reed canarygrass root crown and rhizomes

Leslie J. Mehrhoff, University of Connecticut, Bugwood.org

Physically Removing Plants

Reed canarygrass spreads via seeds, stem fragments, and rhizomes.
Dig out small patches by the roots.
Look for regrowth and remove it.

"Laying down the weed barrier" by j.bohnsack is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0 (cropped)

Tarping

Small patches can be covered with a light-impenetrable barrier. Thick synthetic tarps, landscape fabric, or geotextile fabric products are examples of materials to use. Weigh them down at the edges.
Be sure to extend the tarp well beyond the edges of the infestation. Check periodically to make sure plants are not growing up around the tarp edges.
This method is only feasible if you can leave the covering in place throughout the growing season. The objective is to deprive the plants of light.

Soil Disturbance and Erosion

Minimize soil disturbance as much as possible.
Regrade the soil after digging reed canarygrass roots. Apply mulch (when appropriate).
Take steps to prevent erosion as needed.
Replant the area to shade reed canarygrass regrowth and seedlings.

Ponding, Mowing & Cultivating METHODS

Ponding water 12 inches or deeper throughout the growing season kills reed canarygrass. It kills the rhizomes and prevents seed germination.
Repeated mowing effectively controls reed canarygrass spread. However, other control actions, such as herbicides, are necessary to reduce or eliminate the patch.
Similar to mowing, reed canarygrass is sensitive to cultivation. Further action is required.
It takes repeated effort over several years to get rid of a large, established stand of reed canarygrass.

Glyphosate, Imazapyr & Grass-Selective Herbicides

Chemical Method: Use with caution

Chameleonseye, iStock

Glyphosate, Imazapyr & Grass-Selective Herbicides

Use if Necessary

Herbicide products that contain active ingredients glyphosate, imazapyr, and herbicides that target grasses (grass- selective) are effective treatments for reed canarygrass when label directions are followed.

Does it work?	Effective Use preventive measures for best results.
How much effort?	Moderate effort Requires several years of monitoring and treatment.
What's the risk?	Moderate risk Herbicides come with real risks. ALWAYS read the entire label front to back. Review instructions even for brands you know. Herbicides can run off your site into waterways and may harm wildlife. See How to Keep Pesticides Out of Waterways.
Possible risk of exposure or harm from chemicals	Using herbicides includes some amount of risk. The lowest risk comes with using alternative methods. You may be exposed to an herbicide if you: Get it on your skin Breathe it in Eat or smoke afterward without washing hands Touch or eat plants that are wet with spray (you, pets, or children) Bring it inside on your shoes or clothes Follow directions closely to reduce risk.

Herbicide products containing active ingredients glyphosate, imazapyr, and and grass-selective herbicides such as fluazifop effectively control reed canarygrass when label instructions are followed. Look for these chemical names in the “Active Ingredients” section of product labels.

Photo of herbicide label highlighting active ingredient glyphosate

Weston Miller, Oregon State University

The white box on the example label highlights the active ingredient glyphosate. Text on the label states “Kills grass and weeds around flower beds....”
Glyophosate will damage most plants and grasses. Don’t let the spray contact plants that you want to keep.

Photo of herbicide label highlighting active ingredients glyphosate and imazapyr

Weston Miller, Oregon State University

White box on example product label highlights active ingredients glyphosate and imazapyr. Text on the label states “Kills and prevents weeds for up to 1 year”.
Products with imazapyr will kill most grasses and broadleaf plants. Don't let the spray contact plants that you want to keep.

Photo of herbicide label highlighting active ingredient fluazifop

Weston Miller, Oregon State University

Grass-selective herbicides such as fluazifop effectively control reed canarygrass.
These products don’t injure desired plants when used as directed on the label instructions. They can be used around ground covers, flower beds, and shrubs (bushes), and trees.
The white box on this example label highlights active ingredient fluazifop. The text on the label states “KILLS WEEDY GRASSES WITHOUT INJURING ORNAMENTAL PLANTS.”

Herbicide Application Tips

Premixed products are available in stores.
Grass-selective herbicides such as fluazifop effectively control reed canarygrass.
Herbicide products applied to the leaves in spring or fall are effective.
However, the specific timing and application method depend on the herbicide product. Follow the label instructions for best results.
It takes repeated effort over several years to get rid of a well-established stand of reed canarygrass.

Herbicide Application Requirements for Aquatic Areas

Herbicides applied over or near a water body must be registered for aquatic use.
Treating reed canarygrass near aquatic areas requires specialized skills. This ensures the herbicide is applied effectively. It also protects waterways.
Aquatic-use products are rarely sold at plant nurseries or garden centers. They are available through specialty pesticide dealers.
Aquatic formulas of herbicide products that contain active ingredients glyphosate and imazapyr effectively control reed canarygrass when used according to label directions.
Other aquatic-use herbicide products may be legal in your area. Consult a licensed pesticide applicator or your local university extension agent before purchasing or using an aquatic herbicide product.

Consider hiring a licensed pesticide applicator to manage reed canarygrass in aquatic areas.

If Using Herbicides, Protect Yourself & Minimize Risks

Chemical Method: Use with Caution

SteveOehlenschlager, iStock

Why is it important to read herbicide labels?

They have detailed information on how to use the product correctly and legally.
They contain information on potential hazards of the product.
They provide instructions you should follow for poisonings and spills.
Following label instructions helps to minimize the risks and maximize the benefits.

Key Herbicide Safety Tips

Read the entire label front to back.
Follow the instructions.
Review the instructions even for brands you know.
Only apply the product where the label says it may be applied.
Be precise in your application. More is not better.

The Label is the Law

ALWAYS read the label before using herbicide products. The label is a legal document that provides information on how to safely use the herbicide. This helps avoid harm to human health and the environment. Using an herbicide in off-label ways is illegal. It can result in legal enforcement actions.

READ THE LABEL & Follow Instructions
It has instructions to protect you and the environment.

Labels are different for every product and they often change over time.
Use a magnifying glass if needed.
Pay attention to CAUTION, WARNING, and DANGER statements.
Pay attention to the PRECAUTIONARY STATEMENTS.
The law states you must read and follow herbicide instructions.

Protect Yourself
Eye, skin & lung irritants

Wear the right protective gear. This often includes chemical-resistant gloves, safety glasses, a long-sleeve shirt, pants, socks, and shoes.
Mix outdoors or in a well-ventilated area.
Wash hands after mixing or applying, and before eating or smoking.
Take a shower immediately after handling herbicides.
Wash clothes worn while mixing or applying separately from other laundry.

Protect Children & Pets
Children and pets are at risk if they eat or touch the plants before it dries.

Keep them away during and after applying herbicides (read label for how long).
Remove toys and pet dishes from yard before applying.
Don’t track herbicide products into your home on shoes or clothes.

Don’t Spray into Water

It’s illegal to apply herbicides in a stream or slow moving/wetland pool.
You need a product registered for aquatic areas. This includes waterways, ditches, drains, and other places where water collects.

Protect Plants You Want to Keep

Glyphosate and similar herbicide ingredients damage both grass and broadleaf plants.
Minimize spraying of foliage, stems, exposed roots, or the trunks of desirable shrubs or trees to avoid harm.
Follow the label to avoid damaging the roots of trees and shrubs.

Avoid Wet, Windy, or Hot Weather
Use during favorable weather for best results.

Don’t spray when it’s raining or when rain is expected in the next 24 hours.
Wind causes spray to drift that can get on you and desired plants.
Herbicides may be less effective in hot weather if the target plants are moisture-stressed.
Some herbicides can turn into a vapor in hot weather and damage nearby plants.

Storage & Disposal

Store in a secure area away from children.
Don’t put unused herbicide products in the trash.
Never pour down any drain or waterway.
Take unused herbicides to a hazardous waste facility.

Call 1-800-CLEANUP (1-800-253-2687) to find out where to dispose of herbicides.

For the Portland metro region in Oregon, contact Metro’s Recycling Information. Call 503-234-3000, email or visit Metro’s website

More about:

About Using Pesticides on School Grounds in Oregon

If using pesticides on school grounds, there are special rules in Oregon. See School Integrated Pest Management (Oregon Department of Agriculture).