Arundo donax

Similar to Phragmites australis but can be distinguished by its inflorescence which has 2-4 florets per spiklet and glumes covered with long (6-9 mm), soft hairs while Phragmites has 4-8 florets and its gulmes are hairless.

A varigated form of Arundo donax is widely cultivated and easily is grown from divisions. The caudex is quite tough to divide requiring a sharp shovel or axe.

Palatable to cattle and wildlife, and often disappears from pastures as a result of grazing. Reported to provide nesting habitat for mottle ducks and cover for other shorebirds such as rails (Hatch et al. 1999).

The stems of this species have been used to make reeds for musical instruments.

Sand bars and levees.

Planted for erosion control.