GIANT REED

Arundo donax

LANDHOLDERS ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR CONTROLLING THIS WEED

CONTAIN THIS WEED

Description A tall perennial grass up to 8 m, growing in large cane-like clumps along riverbanks, wetlands and roadsides.

Leaves Ribbed sheath, up to 7 cm wide.

Seedhead Showy, silky seed heads up to 60 cm long.

Roots The root system consists of long, narrow rhizomes and fibrous roots that lack tubers.

Dispersal Seed dispersed by wind and waterways. Vegetative reproduction via underground stems and from plant material dispersed by waterways, contaminated soil or dumped garden waste.

Confused with Introduced species Hymenachne (Hymenachne amplexicaulis), Elephant grass (Pennisetum purpureum), Job’s tears (Coix lacryma-jobi), Corn and Sugar cane. Native species Common reed (Phragmites australis).

Control This is not a reportable weed. Manually remove where appropriate. Ensure plant material does not contact the soil. Slash then foliar spray regrowth with herbicide. Cut and paint each cane close to the ground and pour herbicide into the hollow stem.

Hymenachne

Description Semi-aquatic perennial grass that forms dense infestations in freshwater systems. Prefers swampy or seasonally flooded areas, growing in water up to 2 m deep.

Leaves Leaf-blades are 20–35 cm long and 2–3 cm wide, bright green, with light-coloured veins and hairy edges. The base of the leaf blade is slightly heart-shaped and clasped around the stem.

Seedhead Spike-like and cylindrical, about 8 mm wide and up to 40 cm long.

Stems Hairless, up to 2.5 m tall, have white spongy tissue in the centre (pith).

Dispersal Seed and vegetative reproduction from stem fragments dispersed by waterways. Seed also spread in mud attached to animals and contaminated agricultural produce.

Confused with Introduced species Elephant grass (Pennisetum purpureum), Job’s tears (Coix lacryma-jobi), immature Giant reed (Arundo donax), Corn and Sugar cane.

Control Contact your local Rous County Council Weed Biosecurity Officer for control advice and disposal. Manually remove where appropriate. Ensure plant material does not contact the soil. Foliar spray with herbicide registered for aquatic use.