Phalaris

Family: Poaceae
Scientific name: Phalaris aquatica
Description: Plant Form: Erect tufted perennial grass. Size: Up to 1.5 m tall. Stem: Many stems forming dense crown. Smooth sheath covering leaf join. Produces a reddish sap. Leaves: Blades 15-60 cm long, flat, smooth undersides, rough edges. Hairless. Flowers: Dense, stiff, cylindrical spike 2-16 cm long. Slightly tapering at either end. Fruit and Seeds: Spikelets light green up to 7.5 mm long. With upper fertile floret below 2 sterile florets. Breaks open above covering at maturity. Habitat: Open woodland, coastal scrub, grasslands, riparian areas, forests, wetlands. Distinguishing Features: Distinguished from other Harding grass (Phalaris species) by reddish sap which exudes from cut stems. Weed Status: Other Weed Weed Type: Environmental Lifeform: Grassy

Example images for this weed