Taxonomy
Phalaris arundinacea | Reed Canary-grass | Cuiscreach
Distribution
Status
Conservation status
Not protected
Native status
Native
Species Biology
Habitat
Lakeshores, ditches and riverbanks
Life cycle
Perennial
Ex-situ conservation
Living collection in the National Botanic Garden.
Use
Forage crop
Vegetative nature
Herbaceous
Distribution
World distribution(GBIF)
Temporal change
Records submitted to Data Centre in 2024
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Further information
Reed canary grass grows well on poor soils and contaminated industrial sites. Researchers at Teesside University's Contaminated Land & Water Centre have suggested it as the ideal candidate for phytoremediation in improving soil quality and biodiversity at brownfield sites. The grass can also easily be turned into bricks or pellets for burning in biomass power stations. Reed canary grass is also planted as a hay crop or for forage. Furthermore it provides fibres, which find use in pulp and papermaking processes.