Reed Canary Grass

Reed canary grass is a fast-growing, cool-season perennial that forms clumps and spreads by rhizomes and seed. It can create dense, single-species stands along water margins and in open wet ground, so use it only where spread can be controlled and local invasive-plant guidance permits. ## Plant Profile The North Carolina State Extension describes green leaves and early-summer panicles that change from greenish white to pink and then tan. Its plant data lists about 2–5 ft. tall and 3–8 ft. wide; the same profile notes that stems may reach 6–9 ft. USDA hardiness is listed as zones 4a–9b. [NCSU Extension plant profile](https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/phalaris-arundinacea/) ## Growing Conditions It grows in full sun or part shade and tolerates a wide range of soil textures and moisture, from occasionally dry to occasionally wet conditions. Its strong rhizomes and rapid growth make an uncontained planting difficult to remove and capable of crowding out other plants. ## Maintenance Before planting, check local invasive-species guidance. Where permitted, use a contained site and monitor its edges; dispose of cut stems and seedheads according to local rules. Avoid placing it near natural waterways or native plantings where rhizomes could escape.