Family: Poaceae, Grass view all from this family
Description Introduced, thicket-forming, very tall, bamboo-like plant.
Flowers: silvery to purplish, plume-like clusters up to 24" (60 cm) long.
Leaves: 3' (1 m) long, linear, sheathing the stem.
Height: 15-18' (5-6 m).
Habitat Moist sites, riversides, streamsides, coastal areas.
Range Southern half of United States, north to Maryland and West Virginia in the East, Illinois and Kansas in the Midwest, and Utah, Nevada, and California (southern two-thirds of state) in the West.
Discussion The Giant Reed was introduced from Europe as a garden and landscaping plant and has been spreading throughout the southern United States. In many areas it is classified as an invasive weed. It chokes out native vegetation, such as the native willows of many riparian habitats.
