Harding grass
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Phalaris aquatica
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© 2004 George W. Hartwell
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© 2004 George W. Hartwell
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Description
A tall, robust tussock grass with flat, blue-green leaves. Tall, erect stems carry dense, spike-like flower heads, consisting of numerous crowded overlapping flowers. Seeds have no awn, and are smooth and shiny. Base of stem often produces a reddish sap when cut. Similar species include littleseed canary grass (Phalaris minor), canary grass (P. canariensis), and reed canary grass (P.arundinacea).
Habitat
Coastal valleys and foothill grasslands
Distribution
Western Oregon
Impacts
Out-competes and displaces native species, creates fire hazard, causes disease in sheep (if grazed)
Dispersal Methods
Animals, water, wind, in soil, on machinery and vehicles; basal parts of the tussock may be broken up and spread in earth-moving or cultivation
Prevention
Look for this plant along roadsides, ditches and streams
Listings
Not listed
Factsheets
California Invasive Plant Council Fact Sheet
Photos
http://calphotos.berkeley.edu/cgi/img_query?query_src=photos_index&where-taxon=Phalaris+aquatica
Distribution Map
Distribution in Oregon
Identification Help
Detailed Scientific Identification from Grass Genera of the World
Other Links
Element Stewardship Abstract from The Nature Conservancy's Global Invasive Species Initiative
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