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Reed Canarygrass

Phalaris arundinacea
Updated Feb 08, 2023
 
1

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
Reed canarygrass stand along road

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
Reed canarygrass leaves and stems

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
Ligule and rolled elongating leaf blade

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
Reed canarygrass flower heads

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
Reed canarygrass seeds

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
Reed canarygrass seedling

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
Reed canarygrass root system

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

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

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LOOK-ALIKES: OTHER PHALARIS SPECIES & JOHNSONGRASS
Species: Harding grass
Harding grass in roadside ditch

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
Johnsongrass plant with flower heads
  • 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
 
2

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
 
3

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.

 
4

PREVENT REED CANARYGRASS

Reed canarygrass new growth
Look for Seedlings and New Growth
  • After you dig out reed canarygrass or treat it with herbicide, rhizomes may grow new shoots. Seeds will also sprout to create new plants.
  • The photo shows reed canarygrass in the spring.
  • The best reed canarygrass control is to prevent it from getting established. Monitor your property each year. Following control actions, rhizome fragments often continue to grow and produce new plants.
Gloved hands using metal brush to clean shovel

Weston Miller, Oregon State University

Remove Dirt from Shoes and Equipment
  • After working or traveling in an area with reed canarygrass, clean your boots and tools.
  • Use a wire brush to remove all soil that likely contains seeds.
  • Use a pressure washer to clean vehicles and heavy equipment after working in an infested area. Don’t work at a new site until the equipment is cleaned.
Restoration area with native plants

Laura Taylor, West Multnomah Soil & Water Conservation District

Replant the Area
  • Plant vigorous riparian plants such as Western red cedar (Thuja plicata), native willow (Salix spp.), and red-osier dogwood (Cornus sericea). These will suppress reed canarygrass regrowth.
  • Reed canarygrass is difficult to eliminate from an infested area. Replanting a previously infested area requires planning and effort.
  • Create a multi-year revegetation plan. Plans include site preparation and planting details, plant care, and follow-up control for reed canarygrass and other weeds. Plan for at least 2-3 years of monitoring and maintenance.
  • Your local Extension specialist, soil and water conservation district, or a professional revegetation specialist can suggest strategies for your area.
 
5
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.

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.

Jump to

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
 
A

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.
Large tarp covering vegetation

"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.
 
B

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
El uso de herbicidas conlleva cierto grado de riesgo. El riesgo más bajo se presenta con el uso de métodos alternativos.

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
Ducks in marsh

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 for small print.
  • 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).

NEED HELP?

The National Pesticide Information Center (NPIC)  can answer questions about pest control chemicals.
 1-800-858-7378 or npic@ace.orst.edu  

Consider using a licensed pest or weed control company. Learn How to Hire a Pest Control Company.

Your local Extension Specialist in Oregon  and other states  can suggest other methods.

SEE OTHER COMMON PACIFIC NORTHWEST WEEDS

Content provided by editor Weston Miller and writers Jessica Green and J. Jeremiah Mann. Pesticide safety information edited by Kaci Buhl.

 Peer reviewed by OSU Department of Horticulture.

Photo of Weston Miller

Weston Miller

Project Founder and Content Writer

Weston Miller served as Community and Urban Horticulture faculty for Oregon State University Extension Service for Clackamas, Multnomah, and Washington Counties. Weston is an author for content for this website. He developed funding partnerships with Portland area agencies to initiate and build out the Solve Pest Problems website focused on this goals:

Photo of Jessica Green

Jessica Green

Jessica Green has held various positions at Oregon State University for over 15 years. She was one of the original content contributors for Solve Pest Problems and now assists with maintaining the resource for the Oregon IPM Center. Jessica is a contributing author/editor for the PNW Weed and Insect Management handbooks, has designed and conducted research trials, and now serves as an educator for OSU's Pesticide Safety Education Program (PSEP).

J. Jeremiah Mann

J. Jeremiah Mann

J. Jeremiah Mann completed a Physical Science undergraduate degree at Humboldt State University, and M.S, Ph.D focusing on plant science topics at UC Davis. He went on to work for the Natural Resources Conservation Service and in a leadership position serving a private agricultural technology company. He currently lives in Sacramento California where he consults on pest and property management topics.

Photo of Kaci Buhl

Kaci Buhl

At the state level, I lead the Pesticide Safety Education Program (PSEP). The program hosts live recertification events around the state, serving over 1,000 licensed pesticide applicators each year. We also produce web-based training modules and license-preparation study manuals. Special training for unlicensed pesticide applicators is also available through a grant from the USDA Specialty Crop Block Grant Program. The PSEP at OSU works closely with the Oregon Department of Agriculture's Pesticides Division.

REED CANARYGRASS REFERENCES

Reed Canarygrass  
Washington Noxious Weed Control Board

Reed Canarygrass  (PDF)
Weed Control in Natural Areas in the Western United States

Reed Canary Grass Management Guide  (PDF)
Wisconsin Reed Canary Grass Working Group

A Guide to Riparian Tree and Shrub Planting in the Willamette Valley  
OSU Extension Service

Weed Control User Tool  
University of California ANR