Phalaris arundinaceae

Phalaris arundinacea, also known as Reed Canary Grass, is a perennial rhizomatous plant found on riverbanks or the edges of ponds. This grass with ribbon-like leaves closely resembles reeds and has a spreading tufted habit, producing large feathery inflorescences from spring to summer. It is a widely distributed yet fascinating plant, holding many secrets in medical and renewable energy fields.

Phalaris arundinacea belongs to the Poaceae family (formerly known as grasses). Its distribution covers the entire Northern Hemisphere. Reed Canary Grass is common throughout Europe. This plant forms small clumps of narrow basal leaves, around 40 cm (16in) long, from which slender, erect stems emerge, reaching heights of 120 to 150 cm (47 to 59in), crowned with feathery inflorescences of tiny flowers, silver when ripe. Its flowers form an elongated (5-25 cm (2-10in)) paniculate inflorescence, initially spreading and becoming more compact and whitish to bluish-green. The above-ground part of the plant is green, while its black rhizomes are long and creeping, capable of penetrating tough soils.

Reed Canary Grass is fully hardy. It thrives in any garden soil that does not dry out in summer. You can grow it in full sun or partial shade. Despite its preference for moist soil, this plant can withstand long periods of drought. A visually striking and ornamental plant, Phalaris arundinacea has a running rhizome useful for vegetating the banks of a natural pond or a large body of water. It is also appreciated for water purification systems for its ability to stabilise the soil around water sources. According to certain studies, Reed Canary Grass can improve soil quality and biodiversity in the areas where it is cultivated.

Phalaris arundinacea is also grown as fodder. Additionally, it provides fibres used in paper production. Reed Canary Grass stood out among other tested plants in studies conducted to find alternatives to fossil fuels. It demonstrates the ability to adapt perfectly to the depleted and contaminated soil in former industrial areas. Reusing these sites could allow for large-scale cultivation of this plant without encroaching on land already used for food production.