Ribbon Grass

Phalaris

Phalaris arundinacea ( Ribbon Grass )
Also called Reed Canary Grass. A rapid spreading, rhizomatous grass, reaching up to 6 x 10 feet. Ribbon Grass grows most during spring and fall, often going semi-dormant during hot summer weather. It is native to Alaska, southern Canada and the U.S. excluding Texas to Florida. It has been declared an invasive weed in Massachussetts and cannot be planted there, in some areas it is best planted where its rhizomes are contained. It is generally used for erosion control including stabilizing sand dunes.
The coarse, bamboo-like foliage consists of arching, flat leafblades.
The yellow flowers are followed by black seeds.
Hardy zones 2 to 8 in full sun to partial shade. Tolerant of wet soil but grows well with average moisture also. If foliage turns brown after drought, cut it back hard to 4 inches during mid summer to encourage vigorous new growth. Tolerant of seashore conditions and great for stabilizing sand dunes. Rapid growing and pollution tolerant, it is a great plant for establishing on for purposes of cleaning up polluted industrial sites. Deer resistant.
Pharmacology: leaves known to contain DMT & beta-Carboline

Dwarf Garters
Reaches up to 1 foot in height with white variegation.

Luteopicta ( Golden Variegated Ribbon Grass )
Reaches up to 2 feet with golden-yellow variegation. Makes an excellent groundcover.
Prefers full sun.

Picta
Forms a vigorous foliage clump, reaching a maximum height of 4 ( usually closer to 2 ) x 10 feet in height with broad, green foliage that are stripe variegated white.
Makes an excellent groundcover for large areas and is good for difficult areas and soil stabilization of slopes. Tolerant of wet sites and will even grow under water up to a few inches deep.
Cut back hard during mid summer to encourage fresh new growth.
* photos taken on June 15 2011 in Columbia, MD



* photo of unknown internet source

* photos taken on Aug 4 2013 in Bayfield, Ontario

Strawberries and Cream
Also called Feesey. Reaches up to 3 x 10 feet with very showy foliage having pink variegation during spring that later fades to white. The foliage is finer textured than Picta.
The flower plumes are borne late spring into early summer.

* photo taken on Sep 23 2013 in Burtonsville, MD

Tricolor
Vigorous growing to invasive, reaching a maximum size of 3 ( 5 feet in bloom ) x 10 feet with very showy foliage having pink later fading to white variegation.
The flower plumes are borne late spring into early summer.