Blecker, L., Creech, E., Dick, J., Gephart, S., Hefner, M., Kratsch, H., Moe, A., Schultz, B. 2020, Nevada Noxious Weed Field Guide – Giant reed, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, Field Guide

Stem

  • Up to 25 ft. tall and 1.5 in. thick; semi-woody, inflexible and hollow except at the nodes; branching usually does not occur until the second year of growth
Photo of giant reed
 

Leaves

  • Alternate; blade is flat, less than 3 ft. long and 1-3 in. wide; edges (margins) are rough textured
  • Leaf base is lobed, clasps the stem and is fringed with long hairs  
Photo of giant reed plant

 

Flower

  • Plume-like with numerous fine branches; 1-2 ft. long and light-brown to purple; does NOT produce viable seed 
Photo of giant reed plant with hairy ends
 

Root

  • Creeping rhizomes
Photo of giant reed plants growing on the side of a road.
Photo of Giant reed infestation

 

Other

  • Grows best in moist soils; known to occur in Churchill, Clark, Mineral, Nye and Washoe counties 
  • Perennial; reproduces by rhizomes and stem fragments
  • Resembles bamboo; historically planted to reduce erosion and sometimes planted today as an ornamental
 

Control

  • Hand removal of small populations can be effective; mowing and tillage are NOT recommended as they produce root and stem fragments that generate new plants
  • Apply glyphosate, imazapyr or triclopyr after seedhead formation in late summer or fall to foliage or cut stump; treat regrowth in spring or summer of the following year 

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Also of Interest:

 
Giant Reed
This fact sheet contains extensive information on Giant reed by discussing the features, possible actions, and benefits to controlling giant reed.
Johnson, W. and Strom, S. 2021, Extension | University of Nevada, Reno, FS-06-21