P. arundinacea is morphologically variable, and more than ten infraspecific categories (varieties, subspecies, forms and races) have been described. These categories are based on characteristics such as the amount of branching, leaf colour, size, shape and density of inflorescences. Differences in the height at maturity and in size, shape, and colour of the inflorescence may depend on the habitat. There are no known morphological features for this species that allow native individuals to be distinguished from non-natives (Anderson 1961, in Lyons, 1998).
Seed is used for birdseed. Snyder (1992) states that prairie chickens use it for cover in winter; however, commercial value is limited as seeds of the inflorescence shatter asynchronously and do not germinate readily or regularly (Griffith & Harrison 1954, in Lyons, 1998). P. arundinacea is also used for cover by muskrats and fish, and farmers have also used it for goose grazing areas.
The \"natural\" varieties of P. arundinacea are well suited to periods of frequent and prolonged flooding, and it is never injured by severe winter weather. They grow especially well in clay/loam soil and in sand (if the water content is high enough) but do not do well in peaty soils. It is categorized as a hard water species (in Lyons, 1998). Snyder (1992) states that it occurs along brackish tidelands. The upper range of water pH tolerance been measured to 8.8. P. arundinacea is not shade tolerant but is moderately tolerant of drought and saline or alkaline soils.
Principal source: Lyons, 1998. Element Stewardship Abstract for Phalaris arundinacea L.
Compiler: National Biological Information Infrastructure (NBII) & IUCN/SSC Invasive Species Specialist Group (ISSG)
Updates with support from the Overseas Territories Environmental Programme (OTEP) project XOT603, a joint project with the Cayman Islands Government - Department of Environment
Review: Jane Molofsky \ Assoc. Professor \ Department of Botany \ University of Vermont \ Burlington, Vermont 05405
Publication date: 2010-10-04
Recommended citation: Global Invasive Species Database (2024) Species profile: Phalaris arundinacea. Downloaded from http://iucngisd.org/gisd/speciesname/Phalaris+arundinacea on 10-11-2024.
Mechanical and Manual: Mechanical methods are aimed at removing stems, leaf canopy and seed heads before maturation. Cutting stems and mowing can expose the ground to light that will promote regeneration of native species. Apfelbaum and Sams (1987) found that clipping seed heads before maturation did not reduce dominance but Lyford (1993 in Lavergne & Molofsky 2006) found that clipping stems down to 8 cm tall every two weeks reduced its density. Discing soil and plants can stimulate the growth of native species.
Chemical: Several herbicides have been used to control Phalaris, including amitrole-T (3-amino-1,2,4-triazole ammonium thiocyanate), glyphosate (N-[phosphonomethyl]glycine) and dalapon (2,2-dichloro propionic acid). Tu et al (2001) reports good control by first mowing in late spring-early summer at the onset of flowering, then applying a foliar spray of Rodeo® in a 2% solution with either 0.5% Bio-88® or R-11® nonionic surfactant in fall, before the first frost. The formulation can be applied with a backpack sprayer or an ATV with a boom attachment.
Integrated management: Competitive crop management has been most effective when used in conjunction with prescribed burning (Hutchison, 1992, in Lyons, 1998). Desert saltgrass (Distichlis stricta) may be used as a \"replacement species\" in alkaline or saline soils where erosion may pose a problem after herbicide application and subsequent removal of P. arundinacea (Marquis et al., 1984 in Lyons, 1998). Restoration of native wetland communities, partly by sowing a mixture of desirable species as early season cover crops and manipulating mixes of species may be a promising strategy to contain new infestations and restore native wetland communities (Lavergne & Molofsky 2006)
The Weed Control Methods Handbook provides you with detailed information about the tools and techniques available for controlling invasive plants, or weeds, in natural areas. This Handbook is divided into eight chapters, covering a range of different control methods: manual, mechanical, promoting competition from native plants, grazing, biocontrol, herbicides, prescribed fire, solarization, flooding, and other, more novel, techniques. Each control method has advantages and disadvantages in terms of its effects against the target weed(s), impacts to untargeted plants and animals, risks to human health and safety, and costs.