Taxonomy

Reed canary grass grows from 2 to 9 feet (0.6 to 2.1 m) tall and has blades that are up to 10 inches (25 cm) long and less than an inch (2.5 cm) wide. Its leaves are deep green, flat, and rough on both sides. The stem is hairless.

Reed canary grass can be distinguished from other grasses by the membrane, called a ligule, at the base of each leaf (where it meets the stem). The ligule of reed canary grass is especially long and transparent.

Underground stems called rhizomes grow outward from mature plants. Its pink, creeping rhizomes allow reed canary grass to rapidly colonize new areas.

This grass is one of the first plants to sprout in spring. It flowers from late May to August and the flower heads are green or purple, becoming yellowish when mature.