Giant Reed, Giant Reed Grass

Arundo donax

Physical Characteristics

Arundo donax is a PERENNIAL growing to 6 m (19ft) by 4 m (13ft) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. It is in flower in September, and the seeds ripen in October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Wind. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very alkaline soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist or wet soil. The plant can tolerates strong winds but not maritime exposure.

Distribution

S. Europe

Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Hedge; Bog Garden;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves Root Edible Uses: Edible Parts: Young shoots and, rarely, grains (though viable seeds are seldom produced). Shoots: Tender young shoots are technically edible, with an excellent flavor, but the texture is usually too tough and fibrous to be enjoyable raw or cooked. Boiling them does not soften the fibers much, but produces a pleasantly flavored broth or tea-like beverage. Seeds: Almost never viable in North America, making them an unreliable food source. Rhizomes: Thick and woody; generally inedible. While edible, this species should be considered to have very low food value due to its toughness and unreliable seeds [2-3]. Rhizome - raw or cooked[84]. The rhizome can be dried and ground into a powder to make bread, typically in conjunction with cereal flours [7, K]. It can also be roasted or boiled[84]. Leaves - cooked as a potherb[84]. They are very bitter[177]. The young shoots are used[177].

Medicinal Uses

Diaphoretic Diuretic Emollient Galactofuge Hypotensive The root is diaphoretic, diuretic, emollient and galactofuge[7]. An infusion is said to stimulate menstrual discharge and diminish milk flow[240, 272]. A paste of the root is applied to the forehead to treat headaches[272]. Isolated alkaloids have been experimentally shown to raise the blood pressure and contract the intestine and uterus[240]. The rhizome or rootstock is used in the treatment of dropsy. Boiled in wine with honey, the root or rhizome has been used for treating cancer[269]. The plant contains the alkaloid gramine. This is said to be a vasopressor, raising the blood pressure in dogs after small doses, causing a fall in larger doses[269]. The stems have been used as splints for broken limbs[257].

Known Hazards

None known