| giant reed | USDA PLANTS Symbol: ARDO4 U.S. Nativity: Exotic Habit: Grass or Grasslike Forbs/Herbs |
| Arundo donax L. |
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Taxonomic Rank: Liliopsida: Cyperales: Poaceae |
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| Synonym(s): elephant grass, wild cane, cana brava, carrizo | |
| Native Range: Mediterranean region (BAIL); | |
Giant reed is a perennial grass that can reach up to 20 ft. (6.1 m) in height. The stem resembles a corn stalk and has long, flat leaves up to 1.5 ft. (0.5 m) long. Flowering occurs in late summer to early fall, when plants are most easily recognized because of the large, dense flower plumes that develop at the tops of the culms. The plums can grow up to 3 ft. (0.9 m) in length. Giant reed invades wetlands such as ditches, stream banks and lake shores. Giant reed can completely suppress and remove native vegetation very easily, which reduces wildlife habitat, increases fire risks and interferes with flood control. Giant reed is native to India and was introduced into the United States in the early 1800s for ornamental purposes. |
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Identification, Biology, Control and Management Resources
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| Selected Images from Invasive.org | View All Images at Invasive.org |
 Plant(s); Large plants in September Chuck Bargeron, University of Georgia, Bugwood.org Additional Resolutions & Image Usage |
 Flower(s); David J. Moorhead, University of Georgia, Bugwood.org Additional Resolutions & Image Usage |
 Flower(s); Rebekah D. Wallace, University of Georgia, Bugwood.org Additional Resolutions & Image Usage |
 Foliage; David J. Moorhead, University of Georgia, Bugwood.org Additional Resolutions & Image Usage |
 Stem(s); Bonnie Million, National Park Service, Bugwood.org Additional Resolutions & Image Usage |
 Feature(s); vegetatively reproducing from stem fragment. Joseph M. DiTomaso, University of California - Davis, Bugwood.org Additional Resolutions & Image Usage |
 Fruit(s); Steve Hurst, USDA NRCS PLANTS Database, Bugwood.org Additional Resolutions & Image Usage |
 Infestation; Chris Evans, Illinois Wildlife Action Plan, Bugwood.org Additional Resolutions & Image Usage |
| EDDMapS Distribution: This map is incomplete and is based only on current site and county level reports made by experts and records obtained from USDA Plants Database. For more information, visit www.eddmaps.org Alternative content
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 State(s) Where Reported invasive. Based on state level agency and organization lists of invasive plants from WeedUS database. Alternative content
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