About Phalaris canariensis L.
Phalaris canariensis L. resembles Phalaris arundinacea, also called reed canary grass, which is a perennial forage crop and wild grass. While both species have panicle-shaped heads, the heads of Phalaris canariensis look similar to the heads of club wheat. This is a large, coarse grass with erect, hairless stems that typically grow 0.61 to 1.83 meters (2 to 6 feet) tall. Its ligule is prominent and membranous, measuring 0.64 centimeters (1/4 inch) long with a rounded apex. Its leaf blades taper gradually, are 8.9 to 25.4 centimeters (3+1⁄2 to 10 inches) long, 0.64 to 1.91 centimeters (1/4 to 3/4 inch) wide, flat, and often feel harsh on both surfaces. Its compact panicles are erect, or sometimes slightly spreading, and range from 7.6 to 40.6 centimeters (3 to 16 inches) long, with branches measuring 1.3 to 3.8 centimeters (1/2 to 1+1⁄2 inches) long. Single flowers grow in dense clusters from May to mid-June, or in August. Young inflorescences are green or slightly purple, and later turn tan.
