SafePlants

Giant Reed (Arundo donax)

Giant reed, scientifically known as Arundo donax, is a tall, perennial grass recognized for its rapid growth and potential invasiveness in certain regions. It is also known by several common names, including Spanish reed, giant cane, wild cane, and arundo.

Considerations for Pets

• This plant can grow to be quite large (up to 20 feet or more), so monitor animals that may chew on it, especially younger pets.
• The leaves have a sharp tip.

Considerations for Children

• This plant can grow to be quite large (up to 20 feet or more), so monitor children that may chew on it.
• The leaves have a sharp tip.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Arundo donax L.
• Family: Poaceae (also known as Gramineae)
• Synonyms: Arundo maxima
• Common Names: Giant reed, Spanish reed, giant cane, wild cane, Narhal, Arundo grass, Carrizo, Colorado river reed, nal grass. Other common names include canne de Provence, grand roseau, jonc ordinaire, roseau.
• The plant is the largest of six species in the genus Arundo.

Distribution and Habitat

• Native to Asia, possibly originating in India or tropical Asia, and widespread throughout the Mediterranean region.
• Introduced into the U.S. in the early 1800s.
• Found in ditches, riversides, and riparian areas.
• In the U.S., it's found in the southern region and the west, including California, Nevada, Utah, Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas.

Ecological Role

• Considered very invasive in many countries and listed as a noxious weed in Hawaii.
• Invades riparian areas, altering the hydrology, nutrient cycling, and fire regime.
• Displaces native species and can block streams and drains, causing flooding.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• Tall perennial grass that can grow to over 20 feet (6.1 m) in height, sometimes reaching 30 feet.
• Forms many-stemmed, cane-like clumps.
• Spreads from horizontal rootstocks (rhizomes).
• Stems resemble corn stalks, are stiff and hollow, and can reach 1.5 inches thick.
• Leaves are long, flat, arching, draping, chiefly cauline and can grow up to 1.5 feet (0.5 m) long, tapering to a sharply acute tip.

Quirky Facts

• The pan pipes consist of ten or more reed pipes potentially made from Giant Reed.
• Giant Reed is being researched as a potential energy crop and for paper pulp production.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• Can smother and shade out vegetation, displacing all other species.

Further Information

• RHS (Royal Horticultural Society) offers help and information on Arundo donax var. versicolor (variegated giant reed).
• Center for Invasive Species and Ecosystem Health.
• Dave's Garden is a community where gardeners share tips and ideas.
• Field Guide for Managing Giant Reed in the Southwest (United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service, Southwestern Region).