Invasive Plant Management in the North Carolina Sandhills
Arundo donax - giant reed
Perennial grass
growing between 12 to 16 feet tall. Giant reed rapidly invades
streambank, wetland and roadside habitat. When established, it has a
strong ability to outcompete and completely suppress native vegetation.
It?s high flammability increases fire potential, and can create intense
fires. The key to effective treatment of established giant reed is
killing the root mass. Application of glyphosate in early fall will
translocate herbicides to the roots, effectively killing the entire
plant. A controlled burn following herbicide treatment will efficiently
remove the remaining standing material. Monitoring is needed to
determine the effectiveness of management practices.
