Giant reed (Arundo donax)


Category A Weed

Grass family (Poaceae)

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Stem

  • Up to 25 ft. tall and 1.5 in. thick; semi-woody, inflexible and hollow except at the nodes; branching usually does not occur until the second year of growth

    Leaves

    • Alternate; blade is flat, less than 3 ft. long and 1-3 in. wide; edges (margins) are rough textured

    • Leaf base is lobed, clasps the stem and is fringed with long hairs

      Flower

      • Plume-like with numerous fine branches; 1-2 ft. long and light-brown to purple; does NOT produce viable seed

        Root

        • Creeping rhizomes

          Other

          • Grows best in moist soils; known to occur in Clark, Humboldt and Nye counties

          • Perennial; reproduces by rhizomes and stem fragments

          • Resembles bamboo; historically planted to reduce erosion and sometimes planted today as an ornamental

            Control

            • Hand removal of small populations can be effective; mowing and tillage are NOT recommended as they produce root and stem fragments that generate new plants

            • Apply glyphosate, triclopyr or imazapyr after seedhead formation in late summer or fall to foliage or cut stump; treat regrowth in spring or summer of the following year

              Images

              Giant Reed Infestation
              Infestation
              Giant Reed Flower
              Flower
              Giant Reed Leaf clasping
              Leaf clasping
              Giant Reed Stem
              Stem
              Giant Reed Regrowth off stem
              Regrowth off stem
              Nevada Noxious Weed Field Guide
              Nevada Noxious Weed Guide