Ribbongrass

Phalaris arundinacea var. picta

Plant Description

Ribbongrass is the variegated variety of reed canarygrass which is sometimes found in landscapes and intentional plantings, though it is no longer legal to sell. It is targeted for control by ODA because of the aggressive growth which can sometimes outcompete the non-variegated reed canarygrass! Ribbongrass has green and white stripes along the leaves and grows shorter than the nonvariegated variety. It creates dense rhizomatous mats and mounds of dead stems that inhibit re-growth of native species and can increase the spread of fire on the landscape.

Plant Details

Life Forms	Grass or Grass-like
Habitats	Canals Ditches Emergent Floodplains Meadows Parklands Pastures Ponds Residential yards Rights of way Riparian areas Roadsides Trailsides Wet prairies Wetlands
ODA Listing	B T - Targeted
Soil and Moisture Conditions	Low fertility soil Moist Nutrient rich soil Well drained
Suggested Actions	Report to Oregon Invasives Hotline
Shade Preference	Full sun Part shade
Mature Height	3'
More Info	https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/sites/default/files/2022-09/Reed%20Canary%20Grass%20Management%20Guide_0.pdf