Phalaris is a tall, sturdy grass that grows in thick tussocks. It can form dense stands that will completely crowd out other species. Phalaris has metre high robust stems which along with the leaves, will die off in summer, but leave the roots to resprout the following season. Phalaris is common along road sides.
The leaves are tough and hairless, while the flower heads are held stiffly at the top of the stem. It flowers from November to January while the seeds are distributed by the wind/water and caught in animal fur.
Young plants are best pulled before they can form rhizomes or drop seed. After removing scattered plants, poison the edges of the dense patches, working from least affected areas to the worst affected areas.
It is native to the Mediterranean region.
