Littleseed Canarygrass: What Every Gardener Should Know About This Non-Native Grass
If you’ve ever wondered about that small, somewhat unremarkable grass popping up in disturbed areas of your garden, you might be looking at littleseed canarygrass (Phalaris minor). This annual grass has quietly made itself at home across much of North America, though it’s not exactly what you’d call a garden showstopper.
What Is Littleseed Canarygrass?
Littleseed canarygrass is a non-native annual grass that originally hails from the Mediterranean region and parts of Europe and Asia. Despite its exotic origins, this adaptable little plant has established itself across a surprising number of locations in North America, where it reproduces without any help from humans and tends to stick around year after year.
Where You’ll Find It
This grass has spread far and wide across North America, establishing populations in Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Hawaii, Louisiana, New Jersey, New Mexico, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, and Texas. It’s also found in New Brunswick, Canada, though it’s considered more of a temporary visitor there.
Should You Grow Littleseed Canarygrass in Your Garden?
Here’s the thing about littleseed canarygrass: most gardeners don’t actually choose to plant it. It’s one of those plants that tends to show up on its own, particularly in disturbed soils and areas where the ground has been recently worked.
The Reality Check
While littleseed canarygrass isn’t necessarily harmful, it doesn’t offer much in the way of garden appeal either. As an annual grass, it completes its entire life cycle in one growing season, and its aesthetic contribution is fairly minimal – think small, narrow leaves and inconspicuous seed heads that won’t win any beauty contests.
Better Alternatives for Your Garden
If you’re looking for grasses to add to your landscape, consider these native alternatives that will provide much more value:
- Buffalo grass (Poaceae family natives) for drought-tolerant lawn areas
- Little bluestem for ornamental grass plantings
- Native bunch grasses specific to your region
- Sedges for moisture-loving areas
If Littleseed Canarygrass Shows Up Anyway
Since this is an annual grass, it relies on seeds to continue its presence in your garden. If you’d prefer to discourage it:
- Remove plants before they set seed
- Maintain healthy, dense plantings of desired species
- Minimize soil disturbance where possible
- Consider mulching to suppress unwanted seedlings
The Bottom Line
Littleseed canarygrass is one of those plants that exists in that gardening gray area – not particularly harmful, but not particularly beneficial either. While it’s established across much of North America and will likely continue to pop up in suitable habitats, most gardeners will find their landscapes better served by choosing native grasses that support local ecosystems and provide greater ornamental value.
When in doubt, go native! Your local wildlife will thank you, and you’ll have a much more interesting and sustainable garden to show for it.
