Reed Canary Grass

Publisher: USGS | Science Center: Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center (UMESC, LaCrosse) | Format: URL

www.umesc.usgs.gov — This resource is a species profile and issue overview of the reed canary grass (Phalaris arundinacea). It discusses its increasingly dominating behavior in wet meadows in the Upper Midwest. Reed canary grass is highly tolerant to flooding, resistant to burning, and quickly forms virtual monocultures by shading native grasses and forbs with its More... This resource is a species profile and issue overview of the reed canary grass (Phalaris arundinacea). It discusses its increasingly dominating behavior in wet meadows in the Upper Midwest. Reed canary grass is highly tolerant to flooding, resistant to burning, and quickly forms virtual monocultures by shading native grasses and forbs with its dense growth and litter production The UMESC scientists are studying how birds and insects use wet meadow habitats dominated by reed canary grass versus wet meadows with more diverse vegetation. Researchers are also evaluating methods for controlling reed canary grass and improving conditions for wildlife within Midwestern USFWS National Wildlife Refuges. Less...