John M. Randall, TNC

Giant Reed
Arundo donax

Giant reed, a native of India, is a tall perennial grass growing to 20 feet or more in height. It is used as an ornamental plant and for erosion control and tolerates a wide variety of conditions, including high salinity. Its vigorous growth displaces native plant species. It spreads vegetatively through rhizomes and root and stem fragments carried by water.

Prevention and Control
Infested areas are best restored through chemical means. Repeated mowing may be effective but in some cases re-growth from root fragments can occur. Systemic herbicides, such as glyphosate, may be applied to clumps of giant reed, after flowering.

Native Alternatives
big bluestem (Andropogon gerardii), bushy beardgrass (Andropogon glomeratus), switchgrass (Panicum virgatum), big cordgrass (Spartina cynosuroides), eastern gama grass (Tripsacum dactyloides)

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Publication by USFWS BayScapes Conservation Landscaping Program
http://www.nps.gov/plants/alien/pubs/midatlantic/ardo.htm
Last updated: 7 October 2004