Knowledgebase
Identifying this natural grass #873683
Asked June 18, 2024, 5:44 PM EDT
Cass County Minnesota
Expert Response
Thank you for reaching out to ask2.extension.
The top pictures are a Reed grass. (Phalaris grass). There a different varieties available. A google search will give you pictures of the varieties.
Just be careful where you plant these grasses because they are very vigorous growers and will take over and are hard to get rid of if you tire of them.
Hi Again.
Thanks for help with the id of the grass. Is the bottom photo (attached) also Reed grass?
Is there any way to contain their growth (i.e. barrier in the ground, etc)?
I’m a little bummed, since I’ve had my heart set on having some of this in my yard. I don’t, however, want it to take over the yard. I’m also very appreciative that you warned me about this possible situation.
Thanks,
Ellen
From:ask=<personal data hidden> [mailto:ask=<personal data hidden>] On Behalf Of Ask Extension
Sent: Tuesday, June 18, 2024 6:56 PM
To: Ellen Houghton <<personal data hidden>>
Subject: Re: Identifying this natural grass (#0143601)
According to my identifier app, it is also Reed grass.
The only way I’ve found to control grasses is to keep digging out the growth you don’t want. I’m not sure if a ground barrier would help or not. I have not tried. I just keep digging it out if the patch gets too big.
On line it suggests the use of an herbicide. I would caution. Use the herbicide carefully so you don’t kill more than you want.
It will be a battle, but if you keep up, you can control it.
Good luck!
