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Phalaris arundinacea and cvs. (Reed canary grass, Ribbon grass)

Phalaris arundinacea and cvs. Photo/Illustration: Jennifer Benner

(Based on 2 user reviews)

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Hardiness Zones: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
Botanical Name: Phalaris arundinacea and cvs. fah-LAR-iss ah-run-din-AY-see-ah Common Name: Reed canary grass, Ribbon grass Genus: Phalaris
This evergreen, rhizomatous, perennial grass has an upright habit, with bamboo-like foliage to 14 inches tall. Flat, linear leaves are sometimes striped yellow. Pale green spikelets turn buff with age.
Noteworthy characteristics: Used extensively for buffer strips, shoreline plantings, and forage, it is an extremely aggressive invader of wetlands in the Midwest.
Care: Needs to be contained if grown in a mixed or herbaceous border. Adaptable to all soil conditions.
Propagation: Divide from mid-spring to midsummer.
Problems: Ergot, rust, smut, brown patch, and leaf spots.
Height 3 ft. to 6 ft.
Growth Habit Spreads
Growth Pace Fast Grower;Invasive/Aggressive Grower
Light Full Sun to Part Shade
Moisture Medium to Wet
Characteristics Showy Foliage
Bloom Time Summer
Foliage Color Colorful/Burgundy Foliage
Flower Color Green Flower
Uses Beds and Borders, Ground Covers, Naturalizing, Waterside
Type Grasses

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