Gardener's-garters
Phalaris arundinacea
Last reviewed: August 2026
Light
full sun
Water
high
Size
24"–72" H × 24"–48" W
Bloom
May, Jun, Jul
Native to
AL, AR, AZ, CA and 38 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 431 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
Find rebates in your areaReed 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.
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 38 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.
Ready to grow Gardener's-garters? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
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