Grasses ·Growing Guide
Reed Canarygrass
Phalaris arundinacea
Reed CanarygrassGrassesLow to Moderate Maintenance
The wet soil specialist—Reed Canarygrass dominates sites that are too wet for every other forage grass. Seasonally flooded fields, drainage swales, pond margins, and poorly drained bottomlands are its habitat. Its aggressive rhizome system stabilizes wet soils while producing usable forage and hay. Newer low-alkaloid varieties have imp...
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About Reed Canarygrass
Reed Canarygrass (Phalaris arundinacea) occupies the wetland niche in forage agriculture. Where Bromegrass and Timothy fail due to saturated soils, Reed Canarygrass thrives. It tolerates prolonged flooding, seasonal inundation, and poorly drained clay that would rot the roots of other grasses. Its aggressive rhizome network makes it nearly impossible to eradicate once established—a strength for stabilization, a concern for natural wetland areas.
Historically, Reed Canarygrass was criticized for alkaloid compounds that reduced palatability and could affect livestock health. Modern improved varieties (low-alkaloid cultivars) have largely addressed this issue. Hay quality is moderate—lower than Timothy or Orchardgrass but acceptable when cut at the right stage.
Important ecological note: Reed Canarygrass is considered invasive in natural wetlands across much of North America. It aggressively displaces native wetland vegetation. Use it on agricultural land where wet soil management is needed, not adjacent to natural wetlands or waterways where spread would be ecologically harmful.
Historically, Reed Canarygrass was criticized for alkaloid compounds that reduced palatability and could affect livestock health. Modern improved varieties (low-alkaloid cultivars) have largely addressed this issue. Hay quality is moderate—lower than Timothy or Orchardgrass but acceptable when cut at the right stage.
Important ecological note: Reed Canarygrass is considered invasive in natural wetlands across much of North America. It aggressively displaces native wetland vegetation. Use it on agricultural land where wet soil management is needed, not adjacent to natural wetlands or waterways where spread would be ecologically harmful.
Fit
Where It Shines
Best for
- Poorly drained fields and bottomlands
- Seasonally flooded agricultural land
- Drainage swales and waterways on farmland
- Buffer strips between fields and water bodies
- Wet pasture where no other grass survives
- Stabilization of wet, eroding sites
- Low-lying areas that hold standing water in spring
Not ideal for
- Residential lawns (too tall and coarse)
- Adjacent to natural wetlands (invasive potential)
- Well-drained upland sites (better options available)
- High-quality hay operations (moderate quality)
- Small acreage or garden scale
- Areas where ecological sensitivity to invasive species matters
From Seed to Stand
Establishment & Growth
Germination
Days 7-14: First seedlings emerge. Days 14-21: Continued emergence (can be slow and erratic). Reed Canarygrass establishment is notably uneven—patience required.
Growth Habit
Rhizomatous (aggressive spreading). Sod-forming. Can be invasive in wetland areas. Tall, coarse growth (3-6 feet).
Establishment Timeline
First emergence: 7-14 days. Erratic establishment: 3-6 months for uniform stand. Full sod: 12-24 months. Once established, extremely persistent and long-lived.
Rates & Care
Seeding & Maintenance
| Seeding rate (new) | 8-12 lbs per acre |
|---|---|
| Overseeding rate | 6-8 lbs per acre |
| Soil temp to germinate | 50°F |
| Mowing height | Not typically mowed; cut for hay at boot to early heading stage |
| Minimum mow height | 4 inches (do not cut short—reduces vigor and persistence) |
| First mow | At boot stage for highest quality (before heading for hay) |
| Soil pH | 5.5-7.5 (very adaptable) |
| Soil preference | Thrives in wet, poorly drained, and seasonally flooded soils. The premier grass for wet ground. Also tolerates dry upland conditions once established. |
| Nitrogen needs | 60-100 lbs N per acre for hay production |
Conditions
Tolerances
SunFull sun to partial shade (4-8 hours)
ShadeModerate
DroughtGood (surprisingly drought-tolerant for a wetland-adapted grass)
TrafficLow
ColdExcellent
HeatModerate to Good
Hardiness Zones2-7
Step by Step
How to Sow
1
Step 1: Prep
Identify wet/flooded sites; prep when workable
2
Step 2: Fertilize
No specific fertilizer requirement
3
Step 3: Sow
Broadcast seed at 8-12 lbs per acre
4
Step 4: Contact
Lightly incorporate or press into surface
5
Step 5: Water
Plant in early spring when wet
6
Step 6: Mow/Establish
Slow establishment; no graze/cut in year one
Feeding & Timing
Fertilizing & Season
Fertilizer Recommendation
Apply 60-100 lbs N per acre annually for hay production. Wet sites often have high inherent fertility from organic matter accumulation. Soil test before fertilizing—many wet sites need little to no supplemental nutrients. Recommended: Wicked Growth commercial fertilizer program, adjusted by soil test results.
Find the right Wicked fertilizer →Seasonal Planting
Spring planting (April-May) preferred, coinciding with natural wet conditions. Fall planting (August-September) also effective on drier sites. Reed Canarygrass can be frost-seeded onto wet ground in late winter (February-March). Avoid summer planting—establishment is unreliable in dry conditions.
In Context
How It Compares
Reed Canarygrass vs. Timothy: Reed Canarygrass handles wet soils that kill Timothy; Timothy produces far better hay quality. Reed Canarygrass vs. Bromegrass: Reed Canarygrass tolerates flooding; Bromegrass produces better forage on well-drained sites. Reed Canarygrass vs. Tall Fescue: Both handle tough conditions, but Reed Canarygrass dominates in wet soils while Tall Fescue excels in drought. Choose Reed Canarygrass only when wet soil is the defining site characteristic.
Answers
Frequently Asked Questions
What is reed canarygrass and where does it grow?
Reed canarygrass (Phalaris arundinacea) is a tall, aggressive, rhizomatous perennial grass that thrives in wet, poorly drained, and seasonally flooded soils. It is the highest-yielding grass for consistently wet sites, producing 3-6 tons of dry matter per acre on soils too wet for other productive forages. Reed canarygrass grows 3-6 feet tall and tolerates standing water, high water tables, and spring flooding that kills timothy, orchardgrass, and bromegrass.
Can it grow in standing water?
Reed canarygrass tolerates prolonged flooding and standing water better than any other productive forage grass. It survives 4-6 weeks of spring flooding and grows actively at water table depths of 0-12 inches below the surface. However, it does not grow submerged like aquatic plants—it tolerates intermittent flooding, not permanent inundation. For sites with permanent standing water, consult with a wetland specialist rather than planting reed canarygrass.
Is reed canarygrass invasive?
Reed canarygrass is considered invasive in many regions, particularly in natural wetlands where it displaces native vegetation. Once established, it is nearly impossible to eradicate due to its aggressive rhizome system. Plant reed canarygrass only on agricultural land where its spread can be managed—not adjacent to natural wetlands, stream corridors, or conservation areas. Check with your state's natural resources agency before planting, as some states restrict or discourage reed canarygrass use.
What is the seeding rate for reed canarygrass?
Seed reed canarygrass at 8-12 lbs per acre for pure stands, or 5-8 lbs per acre in mixes. For small areas, approximately 0.25-0.5 lbs per 1,000 sq ft. Reed canarygrass seed requires specific conditions for good germination: plant 0.25-0.5 inches deep in a firm seedbed in late summer (August-September) or frost-seed in late winter (February-March). Reed canarygrass establishes slowly in year one but becomes dominant by year two through aggressive rhizome expansion.
Is reed canarygrass palatable to livestock?
Older reed canarygrass varieties contain alkaloids that make them bitter and reduce livestock acceptance. Modern low-alkaloid varieties (such as Palaton, Venture, and Marathon) have significantly improved palatability. Even with improved varieties, palatability decreases rapidly with maturity—harvest or graze before heading for best acceptance. Reed canarygrass is most commonly used for hay on wet sites where no other productive grass can grow, accepting moderate palatability as a tradeoff for yield on difficult ground.
When should I plant reed canarygrass?
Plant reed canarygrass in late summer (August-September) for fall establishment, or frost-seed in late winter (February-March). Fall planting provides the most reliable establishment. Frost seeding works because reed canarygrass seed benefits from cold stratification and freezing-thawing soil action to incorporate seed. Spring planting (April-May) is possible but less reliable. Reed canarygrass germinates in 10-21 days under favorable conditions and grows slowly in year one before becoming aggressive in year two.
What are the best uses for reed canarygrass?
Use reed canarygrass for hay or pasture production on wet agricultural land, waterway stabilization, buffer strips along drainage ditches, and grassed waterways in crop fields. It excels on sites with high water tables, spring flooding, and heavy clay soils that remain saturated for extended periods. Reed canarygrass is also used for bioenergy production and nutrient filtration in constructed wetlands. It is not suitable for lawns, ornamental plantings, or areas adjacent to natural wetlands.
