Arundo donax

Non-standard names:  Common reed, False bamboo, Dumb cane

Background: Giant reed is native to warmer southern areas of Europe and was introduced to California as an ornamental plant. In the past, giant reed was used as a windbreak, for building adobe huts, and for roofing and making screens and mats.

Identification: Giant reed is a perennial plant that can grow 6 to 20 feet tall. The stems are hollow, nearly woody, and about one inch in diameter. Leaves on the plant are arranged in rows on each side of the stem. The leaf blades on the main stem are 1 ½ to 3 inches broad and flat. On smaller stems, the blades are narrow. The blade margins are rough and saw-like, while the base of the blade is heart-shaped and slightly hairy. Flowers on the giant reed appear in large panicles, one to two feet long. Each spikelet contains several long, hairy flowers that successively grow shorter towards the tip. The rhizomes are tough, thick and knotty and have many branches. The roots are stout and about ¼ inch in diameter. No viable seeds are produced in California.

Distribution: Giant reed is troublesome along streams and canals. In these areas, it interferes with water flow, reduces stream capacity, and negatively impacts plant and animal diversity.

Control: Contact local pest control advisor.

Photo by: John M. Randall, The Nature Conservancy