Reed Canary Grass Plant Care
Alopecurus arundinaceus Poir.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Alopecurus arundinaceus, the creeping meadow foxtail or creeping foxtail, is a rhizomatous perennial species in the Grass family (Poaceae). Native to Eurasia and northern Africa, and widely introduced elsewhere, this sod forming grass is useful as a forage and for erosion control.
Every 3–5 days
Full sun to partial shade
60–80°F
40–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Reed Canary Grass?
Water Reed Canary Grass every 3–5 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun to partial shade. It prefers temperatures of 60–80°F (16–27°C) and 40–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 8 months during the growing season.
What Is the Reed Canary Grass?
Reed Canary Grass (Alopecurus arundinaceus) belongs to the Poaceae family within the Alopecurus genus. Reed Canary Grass is native to Eurasia and northern Africa, and widely introduced else. Reed Canary Grass is also known as Tall Fescue.
Reed Canary Grass displays an upright, clumping grass growth habit, reaching up to 2 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1.5 ft. Reed Canary Grass produces small, inconspicuous flowers in terminal panicles.
Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Reed Canary Grass?
Alopecurus arundinaceus requires watering every 3–5 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 3–5 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Reed Canary Grass Need?
Reed Canary Grass thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Reed Canary Grass Prefer?
Alopecurus arundinaceus grows best at temperatures of 60–80°F. Reed Canary Grass prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.
Temperature
60–80°F
Humidity
40–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Reed Canary Grass?
Moist, well-draining loamy soil with high organic content. Good drainage is essential for Reed Canary Grass to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Reed Canary Grass?
Feed Reed Canary Grass every 8 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 8 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Reed Canary Grass?
Divide and repot every 2-3 years in early spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Reed Canary Grass?
Reed Canary Grass can be propagated through seeds, division.
Is the Reed Canary Grass Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Reed Canary Grass, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Reed Canary Grass?
Reed Canary Grass is susceptible to aphids, grasshoppers, cutworms. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Reed Canary Grass Need?
Reed Canary Grass grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Reed Canary Grass is native to Eurasia and northern Africa, and widely introduced else. In cooler regions, grow Reed Canary Grass as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13a
Keep exploring plants
Reed Canary Grass is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Alopecurus genus — compare its care with other Alopecurus species on PlantoScan.
Alopecurus is part of the Poaceae plant family — browse all Poaceae genera and species.
Reed Canary Grass thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Alopecurus arundinaceus Poir., family Poaceae (first published in Encycl. 8: 766 (1808)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Reed Canary Grass, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 13a, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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