How much sun does Gardener's-garters need?

Gardener's-garters grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Gardener's-garters bloom?

Gardener's-garters blooms in May, June, and July.

Where is Gardener's-garters native?

Gardener's-garters (Phalaris arundinacea) is native to AL, AR, AZ, CA and 37 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

What pollinators does Gardener's-garters attract?

Gardener's-garters draws wind pollinated.

Gardener's-garters

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Phalaris arundinacea

Last reviewed: November 2026

Gardener's-garters (Phalaris arundinacea) is a perennial grass native to AL, AR, AZ, CA and 37 more states. It blooms in May, June, and July. The flowers draw wind pollinated.

Watering reminders and freeze alerts for Gardener's-garters, free in the app.

Toxicity unknown

Gardener's-garters (Phalaris arundinacea) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

Light

full sun

Water

high

Size

24"–72" H × 24"–48" W

Bloom

May, Jun, Jul

Native to

AL, AR, AZ, CA and 37 more states

Pollinators

wind pollinated

Before you buy

Your city may pay you to plant this

Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 461 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

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Reed canarygrass is a tall, vigorous perennial grass with broad flat leaf blades and dense, wind-pollinated flower spikes in early summer. It spreads aggressively by rhizomes in wet soil and can quickly dominate a planting.

Growing Gardener's-garters

Grow Gardener's-garters in full sun and high water. Mature plants reach 24 to 72 inches tall and spread 24 to 48 inches wide.

Wildlife value

As a wind-pollinated grass it offers little to pollinators, and its aggressive spreading habit means it should be sited carefully and kept contained.

Common questions

How much sun does Gardener's-garters need?: Gardener's-garters grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Gardener's-garters bloom?: Gardener's-garters blooms in May, June, and July.
Where is Gardener's-garters native?: Gardener's-garters (Phalaris arundinacea) is native to AL, AR, AZ, CA and 37 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
What pollinators does Gardener's-garters attract?: Gardener's-garters draws wind pollinated.

Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.

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