Variegated Ribbon Grass
Phalaris arundinacea var. picta · Cool-season, Perennial, C3 grass
AI-generated identification · may be incorrect
Grass Category
Ornamental Grass
Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones 4 through 9, highly cold-hardy and adaptable.
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Pooideae, tribe Poeae
Variety / Cultivar
'Picta' (Variegated Reed Canary Grass)
About This Grass
An upright, clump-forming to spreading ornamental grass featuring arching, strap-like leaves. Typically grows 2 to 3 feet tall and equally wide. Foliage is green with prominent white or cream-colored stripes, occasionally taking on a pinkish hue in spring.
Blade Characteristics
Coarse leaves, over 4mm wide, flat, tapering to a pointed tip. Vernation is rolled in the bud. Ligule is a prominent, membranous flap. Auricles are absent.
Root System
Aggressive, deep-reaching rhizomes that form a very dense, tough underground network, making it difficult to eradicate once established.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to temperate regions of Europe, Asia, and North America
Growth Habit
Rhizomatous, aggressively spreading, forms dense colonies
Sunlight & Water Needs
Thrives in full sun to partial shade. Prefers moist to wet soils and tolerates standing water or poorly drained areas, but also exhibits moderate drought tolerance once established.
Mowing & Maintenance
Low maintenance. Can be cut back hard to the ground in late winter or early spring to encourage fresh, vibrant new foliage growth. Spreading must be managed with physical barriers.
Special Characteristics
Low traffic/wear tolerance as an ornamental, highly invasive potential if not contained due to aggressive rhizomes, excellent erosion control along stream banks.
Ecological Information
Introduced ornamental cultivar derived from native or naturalized Reed Canary Grass. Offers limited wildlife cover, but escaped forms of the species can become invasive weed problems in wetlands and riparian habitats.