Was Organic-Manic, now Giant Reed
- To: m*@ucdavis.edu
- Subject: Was Organic-Manic, now Giant Reed
- From: K*@aol.com
- Date: Mon, 13 Dec 1999 00:21:22 EST
In a message dated 12/12/99 10:55:32 PM EST, dave-poole@ilsham.demon.co.uk
writes:
<< Well there's the magnificent, variegated form of the Giant Reed -
Arundo donax for starters. Its a native of brackish and fresh water
marshes in southern Europe. In its normal guise, it is a tall, almost
sugar cane like, somewhat invasive, but readily controlled plant >>
This has been identified as one of the worst of the "top ten" most invasive,
non-native species to have gained a foothold in California. It aggressively
colonizes even seasonal watercourses in arid California climates,
successfully out-competing many of the native species that depend upon the
same fragile riparian habitat, and is extremely difficult to eradicate, once
established. A multi-agency task force known as "Team Arundo" has been
formed to try to control its spread.
The following is from the October, 1998, issue of Fremontia, the journal of
the California Native Plant Society:
"Coastal riparian systems, especially in southern and central California,
are highly threatened by the invasion of the exotic giant reed (Arundo
donax). Originally introduced to California in the early 1800s for erosion
control, this Asian grass has spread aggressively along rivers, forming dense
stands twenty-five tall. Expansion is mainly through vegetative propagation;
rhyzomes and stems, torn up by flood waters, wash downstream where they take
root and establish new populations.
Giant reed is highly flammable and resprouts quickly after burning,
causing the riparian community to become fire-prone. Unlike native
vegetation that shades the river and moderates water temperature, giant reed
grows upright, causing increased sunlight exposure and higher temperatures.
The altered physical environment harms the native fish and other aquatic
life. Nearly impenetrable stands of giant reed provide poor habitat for
other native wildlife as well.
Since giant reed is so widespread and destructive, more than twenty
public and private organizations in southern Californa have come together
form the Santa Ana River Arundo Management Task Force, also known as Team
Arundo."
I don't think it's legal to import the stuff into California, although
there's plenty of it around for someone who'd like to go grub it up. I'd
think twice about recommending it for a similar climate.
Kurt Mize
Stockton, California
USDA Zone 9
