Phalaris arundinacea var. picta 'Strawberries and Cream'

Canary Reedgrass

Canary Reedgrass — Phalaris arundinacea
Also called Reed Canary Grass or Ribbon Grass in variegated forms, this cool-season perennial grass forms dense, spreading colonies of upright green blades and narrow, pale green to tan flower panicles in late spring to early summer. It is very vigorous, especially in wet soils, ditches, pond edges, and disturbed areas, and is widely considered invasive or problematic in many regions because it can form long-lasting monocultures that crowd out native wetland plants.

Type: Perennial ornamental / wetland grass
Mature Size: 3–6 ft. tall × 2–4+ ft. wide, spreading by rhizomes
USDA Zones: 4a–9b
Form: Upright, dense, rhizomatous colony-forming grass
Light: Full sun to part shade
Soil / Water: Tolerates a wide range of soils; prefers moist to wet soil and can tolerate poorly drained sites
Bloom Time / Length: Late spring to early summer; seed heads persist briefly as they mature
Wildlife: Dense stands may provide cover, but invasive colonies reduce native plant diversity and wetland habitat quality.

Features & Landscape Uses:
Best avoided in most ornamental landscapes unless local guidance confirms it is acceptable. It has strong erosion-control ability and wet-site tolerance, but its aggressive rhizomes and seed production make it a poor choice near wetlands, drainage areas, naturalized spaces, or restoration sites. The variegated form, often sold as Ribbon Grass or Phalaris arundinacea var. picta, is more ornamental but can still spread aggressively.

Care:
Plant only where spreading can be fully contained. Cut back old foliage in late winter or early spring. Remove flower heads before seed forms to reduce spread. Divide or edge regularly if maintained in a garden bed. Avoid planting near natural waterways, wetlands, or unmanaged areas. 

Plant type

Ornamental Grass

Height

36"

Width

12"

Hardiness zones

4–8

Sunlight

Full Sun, Partial Shade

Growth rate

Fast

Bloom time

Early Summer, Late Spring, Late Summer, Summer

Flower color

Pink

Soil

Highly Adaptable, Moist well-drained

Landscape use

Container

Fruit

Yes

Salt tolerant

Yes

Drought tolerant

No