1 named cultivar

‘Golden Chain’Giant Reed Golden Chain

grass

Giant Reed

The Story

Plant Bio

Arundo donax, giant reed, is an enormous clumping perennial grass from western Asia and the Mediterranean, reaching fourteen to thirty feet. Thick upright canes carry coarse grey-green leaves two feet long and three inches wide that clasp the stems, and large silvery plumes open in autumn on mature canes.

This is one of the most damaging invasive plants in the southwestern United States, where it forms impenetrable stands along waterways, consumes vast quantities of water, and burns fiercely enough to change fire regimes. It spreads from rhizome fragments carried by floods. Do not plant it near any watercourse; use native river cane or switchgrass instead.

Uses & Benefits:

Enormous architectural canes and silver autumn plumes, which is why it keeps being planted.

Historically the source of reeds for woodwind instruments, and grown as a biomass crop.

Strongly negative in North America: it displaces riparian vegetation, drinks heavily and intensifies wildfire.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Grass

Height

264 inches

Width

84 inches

Light

Full Sun

Zones

6, 7, 8, 9, 10

Water

High

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Western Asia and the Mediterranean

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Planting

How to Grow

Check your state noxious weed list before planting.
Never plant it near a stream, ditch or floodplain.
Confine the rhizomes absolutely if grown at all.
Cut canes to the ground in late winter.
Bag all rhizome material for disposal.
Consider native river cane or switchgrass instead.

Pro Tip

It spreads from broken rhizome pieces washed downstream, which is why planting near water is the single worst thing you can do with it.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Check local noxious weed listings ⚠️
Keep it far from any watercourse 🚱
Contain the rhizomes completely 🚧
Bag rhizome material for disposal 🗑️

Don't

Plant it beside water ❌
Compost the rhizomes ❌
Assume the variegated form is safe ❌

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Check
Cut Back

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Not recommended for open groundContained screening far from waterNative grasses as substitutes

Companion Plants

River Cane Switchgrass Big Bluestem Indiangrass Pampas-Free Alternatives

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Giant Reed questions

What zones can Giant Reed grow in?

Giant Reed is hardy in USDA Zones 6–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Giant Reed deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Giant Reed, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does Giant Reed bloom?

Giant Reed typically blooms in late summer to fall through late summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Giant Reed need full sun?

Giant Reed does best in full sun (6+ hours).

Is Giant Reed drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Giant Reed handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.