Image from 2021 University of MN AIS Detectors Guide
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What is
Reed canary grass has been planted throughout the U.S. since the 1800s for forage and erosion control. It is a perennial grass that grows in wetlands, ditch banks, moist fields, and along roadsides. It can outcompete most native species in natural wetlands and presents a major challenge for restoration in wetland mitigation efforts.
How to Identify it
This submersed aquatic plant has oblong blue-green Lasagna-like leaves that attach to its spaghetti-like stems in an alternate pattern. The margins of the leaves are wavy and fine-toothed. Leaves can be up to 3 inches long and a half inch wide. Curlyleaf pondweed produces small flowers that are arranged on dense terminal spikes that rise a few inches above the surface of the water. In the spring, the plant produces dormant vegetative propagules known as turions. Turions look like small greenish-brown pinecones.
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What Can I do
One way that invasive plant seeds and fragments can spread is in soil. Sometimes plants are planted purposefully. You can prevent the spread of invasive plants.
- REMOVE plants, animals & mud from boots, gear, pets & vehicles.
- CLEAN your gear before entering & leaving the recreation site.
- STAY on designated roads & trails.
- PLANT non-invasive species.
Mechanical control can be done by mowing in mid-June and October to reduce seed production and encourage native species. If cut during the growing season, reed canary grass will have a second growth spurt in the fall, so multiple mowings per year are necessary. Consecutive annual burns in spring or fall can be effective at reducing populations. Small patches can be hand-pulled, dug with a shovel, or covered with black plastic for at least one growing season.
Herbicide control can be done using glyphosate (e.g., Rodeo). If the plants are in or near a wet area, be sure to use an herbicide formulation approved for use near water. This is a systemic herbicide that is taken up by plants and moves within the plant, which can kill leaves, stems, and roots. Preliminary research indicates that fall chemical application may be most effective.
There is a very comprehensive guide form Wisconsin Reed Canary Grass Management Working Group. 2009. 2009_wi_reed_canary_grass_management_guide_0.pdf
Consider a donation to the Invasive species fund to treat our lake.
