Arundo - Giant Reed

Young Arundo plant.
Arundo on creekbank.
Arundo stem with leaves.

Arundo - Giant Reed

Arundo donax

Information Sheet (PDF)

List B - Eradication Required

General

  • Family: Grass (Poaceae)
  • Introduced from Eurasia


Habitat

  • Forms dense thickets, can burn intensely
  • Found along wetlands and drainage areas
  • Perennial grass


Plant


Vegetation

  • Heart shaped collar clasps the stem
  • Leaves alternate, 1-3 inches wide and 1-3 feet long
  • Pale green to blue-green
  • Plants up to 30 feet tall
  • Stems hollow between nodes


Roots

  • Rhizomes form a “root ball” which can be several feet long and wide


Flower

  • 2 foot long panicles
  • June-September
  • Silver-cream


Seed

  • Brown, teardrop-shaped with small hairs
  • Most plants in North America do not produce viable seed


Reproduction

  • Rhizomes and plant fragments


Control


Biological

  • None


Chemical


Cultural

  • Prevention
  • Removal - Not recommended because fragments regrow


Mechanical

  • Burning - N/A
  • Grazing - N/A
  • Mowing - N/A


Use all chemicals according to the manufacturer's label. No specific recommendation or endorsement is made or implied by listing methods or products.

Treatment Timeline


JanFebMarAprMayJuneJulyAugSeptOctNovDec
Control











Removal


Remove all parts including roots

Herbicide











Growth











Vegetative











Flowering











Seed






Seed is not viable in NA