Canary Grass, Annual canarygrass
Phalaris canariensis
Family: Poaceae or Gramineae
What it is like
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.
Height (m): 1
Where it is found
Dry open habitats. A casual of waste places in Britain.
Europe - Mediterranean.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 2
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. It can be ground into a flour and used for making cakes, puddings etc. Leaves - cooked. The young plant is used.
Seed: includes nuts, cereals, peas and beans.
Medicine
Rating: 0
Other
Rating: 0
How it is grown
An easily grown plant, succeeding in an ordinary garden soil. It is tolerant of most conditions, dry or wet. Cultivated for its seed which is commonly used in wild bird food mixes.
Propagating it: Seed - sow spring in situ.
Best place to grow: Bog Garden; Cultivated Beds;
Habit: Annual
Hardiness: 5-9
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: No shade
Moisture: Moist, wet