What is reed canary grass? Where did it come from?
Reed canary grass (Phalaris arundinacea) is one of 15 species in the genus Phalaris. The genus is distributed throughout the world (except Antarctica and Greenland), with the greatest diversity of species in the Mediterranean region of Europe. Phalaris species occur in a diversity of habitats, from wet to dry, from sea level to high mountains, and at least three species have become undesirable weeds, including P. arundinacea. The scientific and common names of reed canary grass reflect the reed-like appearance of the vegetation. The specific epithet arundinacea means reed-like in Latin (arundo = reed, -acea = like). Other common names for the ornamental variegated form include ribbon grass and gardeners garters. The geographic origins of reed canary grass are unclear. The species is definitely native to the Mediterranean region of Europe, but some consider it native to North America and Asia as well, while others classify it as an introduced species, brought to North America by early E
