Arundo donax in California's Central Coast Region

Figure 1: Arundo donax (giant reed). .

An environmental summary created by the ENVS 560/L Watershed Systems class at CSUMB.

Arundo donax: Invasive Plant

Giant reed (Arundo donax) is a perrenial invasive grass native to Eastern Asia. It is a persistent rhizomatous grass with high biomass production that was introduced to other continents by humans, for building material since many years . This grass can reach up to 20 feet tall in height when healthy, with long, flat, and green leaves . It is considered an ecological threat since it spreads when its rhizomes come in contact with soil within wetlands. This grass spreads along riparian zones and lake shores, and competes with native vegetation for sunlight, water, and nutrients.

flood history

Arundo donax in the Central Coast

[[File:arundo-infestation-within-the-salinas-river-watershed.jpg|250px|thumb|Figure 2: Encroachment of Arundo donax along Salinas River. Map by DENDRA Inc.