Skip to content
Skip to main content
PatternBase

Reed Canary Grass

Phalaris arundinacea var. picta, Poaceae

Zones
3–9
Layer
Ground Cover
Lifespan
Perennial
Growth
Fast

Guild Roles

Ground CoverMulch MakerBeneficial Insect Habitat

Growing Conditions

Sun

Full Sun (preferred)Partial Shade (tolerated)

Water

High (established)High (seedling)

Soil pH

5 – 8

Tolerances

Drought
Frost
Heat
Pest Resistance
Disease Resist.

Companion Plants

Spreading CloverTrifolium diffusum
Nitrogen FixationPollinator Sharing
Tree MedicMedicago arborea
Nitrogen FixationShade ProvisionWind Protection

Antagonistic Plants

Trailing Bush CloverLespedeza procumbens

Reed canary grass forms dense stands that outcompete low-growing legumes through aggressive growth and allelopathy

Canary GrassPhalaris canariensis

Congeneric Phalaris species compete for similar resources and ecological niches

Uses

Functions

Erosion ControlWetland RestorationBiomass ProductionSoil StabilizationWildlife Habitat

Common Questions

What zones does Reed Canary Grass grow in?

Reed Canary Grass grows in USDA hardiness zones 3 through 9.

What are good companion plants for Reed Canary Grass?

Good companions for Reed Canary Grass include Spreading Clover, Tree Medic.

Design guilds with Reed Canary Grass and see companion relationships visually.

Try PatternBase free