Giant Reed, Arundo donax, threatens more than half of U.S.
http://threatsummary.forestthreats.org/images/maps/Giant_Reed_Map_73.png Giant reed is encroaching on waterways, international border access roads, and creating dense cover for illegal activities. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has called for a plan to control it. Giant Reed, Arundo donax, is native to India and Mediterranean countries including Italy, Greece, Egypt, and Algeria. Introduced into the U.S. in the 1800s as an ornamental, its common names include Spanish reed, wild cane, cana brava, and carrizo. This bamboo-like member of the grass family, grows 30 ft. high with deep, tough, fibrous roots. " Blue-green alternate leaves are elongated, 1-2 in. wide and 12 in. long. Long, dense, plumes of whorled stemmed flowers reaching to 36 in. long occur during August and September. Seeds are not viable. Reproduction is primarily through rhizomes that root and sprout readily. Giant reed becomes established in moist plac...