CANARY GRASS Phalaris arundinacea L.
Canary Grass (Variety Reed most popular) is a cool season perennial that grows best on wet land.  It is a sod forming grass that produces a coarse leafy grass of 2 to 8 feet in height.  Spreads from roots and seeds and provides a dense root mat in soil.  Native to Europe and the United States,  it was first used as forage in the US around 1835.   Reed Canarygrass is a natural wetland plant and will grow in low, wet areas where clovers and other grasses fail.  Nitrogen is a key factor in proper growth of this plant.  Used for forage grazing, hay and silage production.

INVASIVE NOTE: Canary grass is considered and INVASIVE SPECIES when planted in marsh areas for wildlife.  Avoid use in areas where this is NOT an already established crop for pasture use.  It should be used only for pasture purposes in areas where it is already found, and NOT for use in wildlife areas.  Read links below concerning use and invasive risks:

MANAGEMENT:
http://www.conservation.state.mo.us/nathis/exotic/vegman/twentyon.htm

INVASIVE PLANT RISKS & CONTROL:
Invasive Plants of Ohio - Factsheet 6 - Reed Canary Grass
http://www.dnr.state.wi.us/org/land/er/invasive/factsheets/reed.htm
http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/invasives/terrestrialplants/grasses/reedcanarygrass.html

CROP USE: (Grazing Pasture / Industrial Crops)
http://www.umass.edu/cdl/publications/reedcg.htm
http://www.nf-2000.org/secure/Air/S198.htm
http://www.forageseed.mb.ca/RCGSeedProduction.html
http://muextension.missouri.edu/explore/agguides/crops/g04649.htm

AVOID USAGE:
Use in Northern states such as Wisconsin, Ohio, Michigan, Minnesota, Illinois, Indiana through to Oregon / Washington should be carefully evaluated.  It is a problem species in these and other states in low lying wet areas due to its invasive growth and replacement of native species.  While it is considered invasive and thus harmful to the local ecology, ducks and geese do tend to use it for nesting purposes in wet areas.

Origin: Europe
Description: Perennial
Primary Adaptation: Canary Grass is extremely tolerant of flooding and when used on poorly drained soils.
Uses: Pasture, hay and silage.
Planting Rate: 5-10 lbs an acre planted April-September.
Fertilization: Responsive to nitrogen - Obtain soil test for fertilization.
Seasonal Production: April-September
Management: Rotational stocking is best use method.
Pests: Tawny blotch, leafspot. Some insects.