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Weed indentifctaion

#1 · 10th May 2023, 5:03 pm

Hi all 🙂

Im having issues removing a certain weed / plant. Is anyone able to help me identify? Its very hard to remove so hoping to identify so i know what action to take. Im a complete gardening novice fyi :/ From some googling i think its reed canary grass. thanks in advance 🙂 Pictures attached

Uploaded files:

#2 · 10th May 2023, 5:55 pm

Hi @jimmyn

Could you attach the pictures please as they've been missed from the original question!

Many thanks!

#3 · 10th May 2023, 6:06 pm

Think its attached now. Think the original files were too big. Thanks!

#4 · 11th May 2023, 11:51 am

Hi @jimmyn

Thanks for your question. Yes, it is the dreaded for some fast-growing Reed Canary Grass or Phalaris arundinacea. Gorgeous variegated grass that can survive anything!

This grass will grow in damp or dry soil and spreads like wildlife. They are usually seen in marshes or sold as pond marginal plants due to their ability to survive anywhere. I've used them for awkward areas to help colonise difficult ground, but they can quickly take over and become a weed that needs removing.

They spread via rhizomes like all grasses. Unfortunately, the only way to get rid of it is manually. Please don't try and use weed killer as this usually rifts and damages other plants and also kills all sorts of beneficial wildlife in its wake.

The best way is with a large fork to lift segments, shake off the soil and then compost the grass. My video guide below shows you other tools and tricks to get rid of this tenacious grass organically!