Harding grass

Phalaris aquatica

© 2004 George W. Hartwell


© 2004 George W. Hartwell


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

CWMA Warnings

Four County