Reed canary grass

A clump-forming perennial grass around 2m tall with smooth stems. Reed canary grass outcompetes native plants and can block waterways and drains.

Description

• Leaves are hairless and gradually tapered.
• Flowerheads have crowded flowers on each branch or in spikes that are initially green-purple but turn yellow-brown as they mature.
• Flowers visible from mid-spring to early summer. Seeds occur in autumn.
• Seeds are dispersed by water, animals (stock and feral) and machinery, soil and plant material.
• Vegetative spread by rhizomes, runners and rhizome fragments.
• Habitats include wet soils in wetlands, waterways, forests, grasslands, and roadsides.

What you need to know

Fast-growing, forming dense stands that outcompete native species and can block drains and small waterways leading to sediment buildup that can contribute to flooding. Recovers quickly after control applications.

Management approach

Community Led

These organisms have not been legally declared as pests but may be of interest to the public as they occur regularly in the environment. They may be capable of causing adverse effects to the values of Waitaha/Canterbury.

Consider removing this invasive species from your property and consult your local council for appropriate disposal. Consider lower-risk alternatives for your garden, such as native plants.

Control

Site management

Follow up treated areas three times per year. Encourage natural regeneration of native plants or replant treated areas where possible after two to three treatments to establish dense ground cover and minimise reinvasion.

Physical control

Dig out

Plant parts requiring disposal: rhizomes and seeds.

Contact your local council for appropriate disposal locations.

Chemical control

Herbicide products containing glyphosate applied as a foliar spray can be effective.

Caution: When using any herbicide or pesticide please read the label thoroughly to ensure that all instructions and safety requirements are followed.

Biological control

Biological control is currently not available for this species.