Practical information to identify and manage non-native, invasive plants
The Quiet Invasion:A Guide to Invasive Plants of the Galveston Bay Area
Arundo donax
| USDA Symbol: | ARDO4 |
| ITIS TSN: | 41450 |
| Presence: | Current Invaders |
| Habitat: | Terrestrial |
| Native Range: | India |
Toxic Characteristics
This species is not known to be toxic.Geographic Distribution
Occurs in the entire southeastern portion of the United States, north to Maryland and Illinois, and west to California. Naturalized populations exist in Galveston and Chambers counties, and along the Navasota River west of Houston.Introduction Pathways
Introduced as an ornamental in the southwestern United States before 1820; later cultivated for erosion controlSpecific Primary Habitats
Thrives in moist, well-drained soils with shallow water tables; namely ditch banks, riparian or floodplain areas. Tolerates brackish conditions. Once established, survives periods of extreme drought or excessive moisture.Identifying Characteristics
One of the largest of the herbaceous grasses, it is erect, tall, cane- or reed-like, and reaches 12 feet in height with stems typically 0.4 - 1.6 inches in diameter and hollow. Leaves are alternate, occurring at nodes on the stem 4.75 to 12 inches apart. Leaves are pale to blue-green, and heart shaped at the base where they are 2 - 3 in. wide. They reach up to 27 inches or more in length. Flowers occur terminally and are plume-like panicles that are brown to silverish in color, and reach 10 - 25 inches in length.Reproduction Characteristics
Reproduces vegetatively via underground rhizomes that easily root and sprout. Produces no viable seed. Plant fragments are readily transported by water which establish new clones.Growth Characteristics
One of the world's fastest growing terrestrial plants, Giant reed can grow 2 feet per week or 4 inches each day, reaching 20 feet in height.Ecological, Economic, or Social Impact
A rapid growth rate enables giant reed to overpower native species and form thick stands. Poses problems for groundwater and irrigation water availability, especially in the Rio Grande basin. Increases fire risk to developed areas by doubling fuel loads.Suggested Control Methods
Mechanical removal is extremely difficult because any root material left behind will resprout. If the plant is less than two meters tall, hand pulling may be possible. Use a foliar or cut-culm treatment of 1.5% or 27 - 40% glyphosate, respectively.General Notes
Bioganic is a plant based alternative to Glyphosate, but requires more applications, more cost, with less efficacy. Aquamaster and Rodeo are two brands containing Glyphosate that are approved for use in wetlands.|
Native Species Alternatives
Below is a list of alternative plants that are native to the area:
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Lists
This species belongs to the following lists:
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Images
To view a larger version of an image, click on the thumbnail. Stem identification of the giant reed in early summer. Photo courtesy of James H. Miller, USDA Forest Service, www.forestryimages.org; Image Number 0016141. |
 Large giant reed plants in summer. Photo courtesy of Chuck Bargeron, The University of Georgia, www.forestryimages.org; Image Number 1237029. |
 Close-up of the junction of stem and leaf of the giant reed. Photo courtesy of Chris Evans, The University of Georgia, www.forestryimages.org; Image Number 1334111. |
 Flowers of the giant reed with pen for size comparison. Photo courtesy of Chris Evans, The University of Georgia, www.forestryimages.org; Image Number 1334114. |
 The giant reed in winter. Photo courtesy of James H. Miller, USDA Forest Service, www.forestryimages.org; Image Number 2307151. |
 Infestation of the giant reed along a roadside. Photo courtesy of James H. Miller, USDA Forest Service, www.forestryimages.org; Image Number 2307184. |