Canary Grass, Annual canarygrass

Phalaris canariensis

Physical Characteristics

Phalaris canariensis is a ANNUAL growing to 1 m (3ft 3in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. It is in leaf from May to October, in flower from July to September. 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. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist or wet soil.

Distribution

Europe - Mediterranean.

Habitats

Bog Garden; Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves Seed Edible Uses: Seed - cooked. Widely grown as a food for caged birds, the seed is rather small but can also be used as a cereal for making porridge etc[2]. It can be ground into a flour and used for making cakes, puddings etc[2, 22, 46, 61, 74, 115]. Leaves - cooked[106]. The young plant is used[177].

Medicinal Uses

None known

Known Hazards

None known