Reed canary grass

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{{Taxobox | color = lightgreen | name = Reed canary grass | image = Rietgras bloeiwijze Phalaris arundinacea.jpg | image_width = 240px | image_caption = Reed canary grass inflorescence | regnum = Plantae | divisio = Magnoliophyta | classis = Magnoliopsida | ordo = Poales | familia = Poaceae | genus = Phalaris | species = P. arundinacea | binomial = Phalaris arundinacea | binomial_authority = L. }}

Reed canary grass (Phalaris arundinacea) is a tall, coarse-looking perennial grass that commonly forms extensive single-species stands along the margins of lakes and streams and in wet open areas, with a wide distribution in Europe, Asia, Africa and North America.

Image:Rietgras planten Phalaris arundinacea.jpg The stems can reach 2 m in height. Leaf blades are blue-green when fresh and straw-colored when dry. The flowers are borne on the stem high above the leaves and are pinkish at full bloom.

A number of cultivars of P. arundinacea have been selected for use as ornamental plants, including variegated (striped) cultivars such as 'Dwarfs Garters' and 'Strawberries and Cream'. The latter gets its name from the large white stripes and pinkish color that appears on the leaves at varying times. When grown, although drought tolerant, it likes abundant water and can even be grown as an aquatic plant.

In many places Reed canary grass is an invasive species in wetlands.

Leaves of P. arundinacea contain DMT, 5-MeO-DMT and related compounds (Smith 1977).

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