How do you identify Phalaris Aquatica?
Phalaris aquatica is a perennial grass that can grow from 3-4 ft. (0.9-1.2 m) tall. Leaves are hairless, coarse in texture, grayish to blue in color and can grow from 4-15 in. (10.2-38.1 cm) long and 0.25-0.75 in.
Is Phalaris arundinacea toxic?
Some grasses, such as Phalaris or Festuca arundinacea, are also poisonous. Phalaris species contain gramine, an indole alkaloid, that in sheep causes nervous system damage. Phalaris toxicity expresses itself as cardiac-sudden death (Cheeke, 1995).
Is Phalaris arundinacea invasive?
Phalaris arundinacea is a cool-season perennial grass that grows successfully in northern latitudes and can be invasive in wet habitats. Since it is tolerant of freezing temperatures and begins to grow very early in the spring, it can outcompete many other species.
Is Phalaris Aquatica a perennial?
Phalaris (Phalaris aquatica) is the most persistent and productive temperate perennial pasture grass which can be sown in the Tablelands and Slopes regions of New South Wales; hence it is the basis for much of the pasture development programs in these regions.
What causes Phalaris staggers?
In its early stages of growth (usually the first six weeks) phalaris grass contains toxic alkaloids, which if grazed, can lead to animals developing phalaris staggers. “If phalaris toxicity is suspected stock should be removed immediately, but slowly, from pasture.”
Can horses eat Phalaris grass?
Phalaris sown with white, red and sub clover and/or lucerne is quite acceptable for horses. It must be rotationally grazed to allow seedhead development in spring and good growth after autumn breaking rains.
Is canary grass good for cows?
Although it is a hardy, common species found worldwide — and generally not considered problematic for livestock — potentially dangerous levels of alkaloid toxins can accumulate in the grass during drought conditions and during regrowth after grazing or mowing.
Where does Phalaris arundinacea grow?
Phalaris arundinacea, or reed canary grass, is a tall, perennial bunchgrass that commonly forms extensive single-species stands along the margins of lakes and streams and in wet open areas, with a wide distribution in Europe, Asia, northern Africa and North America.
Is canary grass hay good for horses?
Chiefton reed canarygrass hay can be fed to horses in place of timothy hay, but managers should know that this hay may be consumed at a lower rate, at least when first introduced to horses; is not as digestible; and may require the addition of dietary calcium in some form.
Does phalaris make good hay?
Used widely in the inland high rainfall zone and adjacent higher-rainfall cropping areas of southern Australia for all types of grazing stock, but mainly sheep and beef cattle. Suitable also for hay and silage.
Is phalaris toxic to horses?
Phalaris sown with white, red and sub clover and/or lucerne is quite acceptable for horses.
What are the different names for Phalaris aquatica?
Phalaris aquatica. The plant is also known by other names such as hardingrass and Phalaris tuberosa and causes, as also does its relative species Phalaris arundinacea (“canary grass”), an intoxication called “canary grass intoxication.”
How big are the leaves of Phalaris arundinacea?
Leaf blades are 8 to 25 centimeters long and 65 to 190 mm in width. Native Range: Phalaris arundinacea is a circumboreal species (Larson 1993). In North America, this species is common throughout most of southern Alaska and Canada, as well as all but the southeastern portion of the U.S. (Hitchcock et al. 1969).
Is the Phalaris arundinacea an invasive species in Illinois?
Illlinois does not list Phalaris arundinacea on its “Aquatic Life Approved Species List” since some populations are native to Illinois. However, Illinois DNR does find this species needs to be restricted and finds it inappropriate for import, possession, or culture since it is an invasive species (Illinois DNR, pers. communication).
How does pharlaris arundinacea affect the environment?
There is potential for Pharlaris arundinacea can constrict waterways which could result in closure of water for recreational activities. Silt deposits, emergent stems, and leaves of reed canarygrass reduce the volume of water that a channel can carry and impede water flow (Comes et al. 1981).