Cinna arundinacea
Stout Wood-Reedgrass
General
A perennial grass species native to North America. It forms dense clumps of tall, slender stems that can reach heights of up to six feet, creating a graceful and feathery appearance. Its foliage consists of narrow, arching leaves that turn golden-yellow in the fall, adding seasonal interest to wetland habitats and woodland edges where it thrives. Spreads via rhizomes. Often found as small colonies. Helps provide wildlife cover and species diversity in wetlands.
Plant Description
Tall grass growing to 3-5'. Usually green or blue green in color. Long, slightly drooping inflorescences with spikelet, usually green and sometimes light golden or purplish depending on the time of year. Golden-yellow foliage in autumn make it a distinctive and visually appealing addition to wetland areas and woodland edges.
Height (ft)
3-5'
Soil moisture
Medium to Wet
Soil types
Rich Loams
Wetland indicator
FACW
Shade tolerance
Tolerant, Partial Shade to Full Shade
Bloom color
Green
Bloom period
Summer
Drought tolerance
Low
Salinity tolerance
None
Range
Can be found from eastern Canada and the northeastern United States, extending westward to the Great Lakes region and southward into the southeastern states.
Kartesz, J.T. 2024. Floristic Synthesis of North America, Version 1.0. Biota of North America Program (BONAP) [website http://bonap.org/]
Additional Information
According to the Native Plant Trust, the Iroquois used this species as a treatment for diabetes.