Phalaris canariensis

The Phalaris canariensis, better known as Canary grass, is an annual grass cultivated as a secondary cereal, particularly as food for certain songbirds. It is also a popular plant in floristry and natural gardens, and a very good forage species. In our gardens, it is appreciated for its graphic spikes with scales striped white and green that are tightly packed, resembling an elongated pine cone. It easily self-seeds in the spring. This plant, native to the Canary Islands, thrives in heat and is water-efficient.

Phalaris canariensis is an annual herbaceous plant belonging to the family of poaceae. Native to the Canary Islands and North Africa, this "grass" is naturalised throughout the Mediterranean region. It is a thermophilic species (heat-loving), sensitive to frost (-5°C (23°F)), but well adapted to drought. It adapts its life cycle to the climate and distribution of precipitation. For example, in the Mediterranean zone, it will germinate much earlier in spring and flower in May-June. Elsewhere, it will flower in June-July.

Canary grass germinates 3 to 5 months after sowing, more quickly with mild temperatures. This grass has a fibrous root and forms a glabrous stem measuring between 50 and 70 cm (20 and 28in) in height. The whole plant forms a dense clump and its foliage is rough to the touch. The basal leaves are ribbon-like and elongated, measuring between 4 and 8 mm (<1in) wide, while the upper leaf has a swollen sheath. Flowering occurs from May to July depending on the climate and lasts about 3 months. The inflorescence is a short, oval to oblong, very dense panicle with a whitish green colour. It has decorative, striped, lanceolate and pointed scales. At the base of the scales, there are small oval, flat, shiny, golden to brownish seeds, resembling a small pasta called bird tongues. Pollination is carried out by the wind.

Canary grass has its place in a garden that leaves room for nature. It is sown in sunny flower beds among other plants, in borders and flowering meadows. It is resistant to heat and drought and requires no maintenance. It is tolerant to diseases, preventing their transmission to subsequent crops, and is not attractive to aphids and slugs. It is easy to establish in small quantities and will self-seed if conditions are favourable. Note that this annual plant is never invasive in much of Europe due to its sensitivity to frost. Its edible seeds will delight birds in late summer and autumn. You can also offer them to the residents of the chicken coop. In a vase, create a beautiful bouquet with cattails, Sorghum, Chinese lanterns, tall sedums, and dahlias, for example.