Reed Canary Grass
Phalaris arundinacea
Reed canary grass is a tall, perennial bunchgrass that forms extensive monotypic stands in wetlands and along shorelines. It can reach heights of up to two meters and spreads aggressively via thick, creeping rhizomes. The inflorescence is a dense, branched panicle that opens during the flowering period.
Details
Oxygen production
Oxygen release via roots into the sediment (aerenchyma).
Habitat function
Nesting site for birds, habitat for insects.
Nutrient uptake
Very high, especially nitrogen and phosphorus.
Food source for
Livestock, caterpillars of grass moths and butterflies.
Human use
Forage crop, energy production (biomass), erosion control, ornamental grass (cultivar 'Picta').
Ecology
Ecological role
Primary producer; provides cover for waterfowl; stabilizes shorelines through dense root networks.
Natural predators
Grazing animals (cattle, sheep), various insect larvae.
Competitor species
Common reed (Phragmites australis), Sedge species (Carex spp.).
Ecosystem service
Erosion control, nutrient retention, biomass production.
Threats
Drainage of wetlands, intensive mowing before seed maturation.
Scientific profile
Profile
Reproduction
Both generative via seeds and effectively vegetative via rhizome fragments and runners.
Protection & threats
Main threats
Not threatened in Europe; locally affected by river engineering or intensive drainage.