Canarygrass (Phalaris)

By Bruce Homer-Smith

Phalaris is in the Oat Tribe.

Tiny spikelets are generally clustered in a tight cylinder at the top of stems.

Harding Grass

(Phalaris aquatica)

Photo by Alf Fengler

Lemmon’s Canarygrass

(Phalaris lemmonii)

Photo by Zoya Akulova-Barlow

Hood Canarygrass

(Phalaris paradoxa)

Photo by Toni Corelli

California Canarygrass

(Phalaris californica)

Photo by Toni Corelli

Spikelets appear to be arranged in a spike. However, they do have short branches you can’t see because the inflorescence is so dense. Some Canary Grasses open up at maturity, revealing their branches.

Harding Grass (Phalaris aquatica)

Photo by Bruce Homer-Smith

Reed Canarygrass (Phalaris arundinacea)

Photo by Zoya Akulova-Barlow

It’s all about the glumes

Shiny, wide, flat glumes completely hide a single fertile floret.

Harding Grass (Phalaris aquatica)

Photo by Steve Matson

The glumes have flat edges, called wings. Their flat surfaces reflect light, making the spikelets look shiny.

In the picture above, you can see anthers and stigmas stick out beyond the glume to release and receive pollen on the wind.

Leaves are substantial

Canarygrass has big, flat leaves, 6 – 20” long.

Harding Grass (Phalaris aquatica)

Photo by Zoya Akulova-Barlow

Reed Canarygrass (Phalaris arundinacea)

Photo by Zoya Akulova-Barlow

California has 12 species of Phalaris. Phalaris is similar to both Latin and Greek words for “white spot”, which refers to the shiny spikelets in this genus. Run your fingers over the flat spikelets and feel how smooth they are.

Corrections/Comments: bruce@PlantID.net