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Phalaris spp.

canarygrasses

Poaceae

Temperate Northern Hemisphere and South America

Container Friendly

Native to North America

SunFull Sun – Part Shade

WaterMedium

HardinessZones 4–9

Overview

Phalaris spp. is a genus of about 20 annual and perennial grasses in the family Poaceae, spread through temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere and South America. Members range from 18 inches to 7 feet (45-200 cm) tall and carry flat, broad leaf blades and dense, spike-like flowering panicles that turn from green to straw at maturity. The genus includes P. canariensis, grown as the canary seed of birdseed mixes, and P. arundinacea, reed canarygrass, a rhizomatous wetland perennial whose white-striped form 'Picta' is planted as ribbon grass. Rhizomatous species creep by underground stems and can form broad colonies, while annual species grow as tufts from seed. Foliage of several species contains tryptamine and beta-carboline alkaloids that cause neurological staggers in grazing livestock. P. arundinacea is listed as invasive in wetlands across the northern United States and Canada, where it crowds out native marsh vegetation. The combination of vigorous spread and alkaloid content limits where the larger species are planted.

Native Range

Native to temperate Europe, Asia, North Africa, North America, and South America, with P. arundinacea circumboreal across the Northern Hemisphere. Several species are now naturalized far beyond their original ranges.

Suggested Uses

Used for erosion control on banks and in rain gardens, and in wet borders where its spread can be contained. Variegated ribbon grass is grown as ground cover and in containers, while P. canariensis is raised as a birdseed and forage crop.

How to Identify

Plants show flat, fairly broad grass blades and a dense, spike-like or lobed panicle held above the foliage in summer. The membranous ligule at the leaf base is tall and prominent. Spikelets are flattened and one-flowered, often flushed purple before fading to straw. Ribbon grass forms carry green leaves striped lengthwise in white to cream.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height1'6" - 7'

Width/Spread1' - 3'

Colors

Flower Colors

tan

Foliage Colors

Fall Foliage Colors

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~4 weeks

Summer

Flowering occurs in early to midsummer, roughly June through August, when stems carry dense spike-like panicles. The wind-pollinated flowers shed pale pollen over two to four weeks before ripening into small, shiny grains.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

pale green to straw, often purple-tinged

Foliage Description

green to grey-green, white-striped in variegated forms

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

SunFull Sun SunPartial Shade

Requires 6-10 hours of direct sunlight daily

• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight

• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight

• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range5.5 - 7.5(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

loam clay silt

Drainagemoist

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Time to Maturity

Flowers in first season; clumps establish in 2-3 years

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Phalaris spp. grows in full sun to light shade and tolerates a wide range of soils, from ordinary garden loam to saturated marsh ground. Reed canarygrass and its variegated forms hold up in wet soil, pond margins, and seasonal flooding, while drier-site species accept average moisture. Most perennial species are hardy to USDA zone 4 (-30°F / -34°C). Rhizomatous types spread steadily and are often confined by buried barriers or containers. A spring cut to the ground each year clears old growth before new shoots emerge.

Pruning

Perennial species are cut to the ground in late winter before new growth begins. Variegated ribbon grass can be sheared back by half in midsummer to prompt fresh foliage when the leaves brown in heat. Spent flowering stems are removed to limit self-seeding.

Pruning Schedule

winter