Accession Count: 43
Common Name:
giant reed
Family Name:
Poaceae
Botanical Name:
Arundo donax
Sub Species:
Variety:
Forma:
Cultivar:
Characteristics:
The giant reed has leaves that have many blades that are elongated and are two and a quarter inches wide. The giant reed requires substantial water to thrive, but can survive on little water. May be invasive along water courses.
Compound:
Aru don
Geographic Origin:
Mediterranean Basin
Ecozone Origin:
Palearctic
Biome Origin:
Natural History:
During prehistory times the A. donax was believed to be introduced from Asia (Middle East) to the Mediterranean basin. It was only later exported from the Mediterranean by early French and Spanish colonialists. This plant is highly invasive and can now be found in most subtropical and temperate zones around the world (2).
Cultivation Notes:
Susceptible to chlorosis. Invasive roots. Erosion control move to grasses, only in ponds, high water use, big grass.
Ethnobotany:
People value the giant reed in landscaping for it's contributions in informal water situations, such as ponds.
Height:
11 - 15 feet
Width:
Growth Rate:
Fast Growing
Grow Season:
Flower Season:
Color:
Function:
Spread:
Non-spreading
Allergen:
Non-allergenic
Invasive:
Invasive
Toxicity:
Hardy:
Semi-hardy
Water Use:
Moderate Water Use
Citations:
- Duffield, Mary Rose., and Warren D. Jones. Plants For Dry Climates - How To Select, Grow And Enjoy. Lane Publishing Company, 1992.
- cabi.org . Retrieved 25 Oct, 2018
