WHAT IS ARUNDO DONAX?

Arundo donax is the scientific name for an invasive, non-native perennial plant that has become established and is spreading widely in riparian ecosystems throughout California.

Arundo is a giant reed native to the Indian subcontinent and introduced by Spanish settlers to the western United States.  Although historically useful for fencing, roofing, and fiber production, the benefits of Arundo do not outweigh its current negative impacts on local watersheds.  Arundo has the capability to spread rapidly, forming large contiguous root masses covering several acres, effectively crowding out native riparian vegetation.  This results in lower biodiversity of plant life, eliminating crucial habitat for birds, fish, and other wildlife that use riparian waterways. 

The over-establishment of this species results in fire and flood hazards, as well as reduced groundwater availability. Once introduced, Arundo forms extensive rhizome systems that require human intervention to remove.