Reed Canarygrass

Description

Coarse, sod-forming, perennial grass with short rhizomes and short, broad leaves. Grows 2 to 5 feet tall in seed head stage. Thrives in wet soils and tolerates drought. Older varieties have alklaloids that limit palatability and animal performance. Low-alkaloidvarieties are available.

Uses

Pasture and hay.

Advantages

Well adapted to wet, saturated, flooded sites. High yielding and highly responsive to nitrogen applications.

Disadvantages

Slow to establish. Shorter stand life than tall fescue. Does not tolerate close, continuous grazing.

Seeding

Rate: 8-12 lb/a
Depth: ¼-½ in
Primary Date: Aug 15-Oct 1
Secondary Date: Feb 1-Apr 15

Harvest

First harvest: May 10-June 10
Annual yield: 1-5 tons dry matter/a