Giant Reed
REPORT IF SEEN: This species is currently controlled by KISC, if you see it please report it.
Giant Reed
Species: Arundo donax
Family: Poaceae
KISC is actively controlling this species. Sightings of this pest should be reported immediately. If you suspect that you have any of our targets on your property, KISC will survey and if confirmed, will remove it for free.
Considered very invasive and is on the Hawaii State Noxious Weed List. The Division of Forestry and Wildlife of the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources has designated this species as one of Hawaii’s Most Invasive Horticultural Plants.
Description
- A grass that can grow up to 20 ft. tall
- Looks a little like sugarcane, but leaves are shorter and alternately arranged along stem
- Flowers are long, dense, and plume like
- Native to the Mediterranean region, introduced to Hawaii as an ornamental
Impacts
- Grows well along rivers, streams, and ditch channels, where masses of plant material choke drainages and cause flooding
- Crowds out native vegetation
- Thick growth reduces habitat for wildlife
- Fire hazard when dry
- Spreads easily by root and stem fragments floating downstream and taking root
- Also spreads in dry areas when dirt containing root pieces are moved (e.g. in topsoil or on heavy equipment such as bulldozers)
On Kauai
- KISC controls small populations in Kekaha, Kalaheo, Lawai, Omao, Lihue, Hanamaulu, Wailua, Kapaa, Anahola, and Kilauea.
- On the Pono Endorsement Black List. Pono Endorsed Nurseries and Landscapers have agreed to continue to not sale Giant Reed.
- You can plant pono by reporting Giant Reed to KISC at 808-821-1490 or kisc@hawaii.edu .
Look-a-likes:
Sugarcane
Saccharum officinarum
Sugarcane shares a similar looking plume as Giant Reed, however its growth pattern, habitat, and leaf arrangements are very different.
Bamboo
There are some dwarf Bamboo species that have similar looking leaves to Giant Reed, however it can clearly be distinguished by its internodes along the stem.
