Canary grass - Adapted from
Image by Biodiversity Heritage Library
Canary grass is a relatively unknown cereal which is grown mainly for birdseed. This plant which belongs to the grasses family (Poaceae) originates from the Mediterranean region.
The name Canary grass may refer to its use as bird feed, but is more likely referring to the Canaries (Canary Islands) as the scientific name of this plant is Phalaris canariensis.
Most canary grass is produced in Canada and Thailand.
Names
Scientific
Phalaris canariensis
English
Canary grass
Canary seed
Kanariezaad
Spanish
Alpiste
French
Alpiste
Alpiste des Canaries
Blé des Canaries
Millet long
German
Echtes Glanzgras
Kanariengras
Italian
Scagliola
Taxonomy
Order
Poales
Family
Poaceae
Genus
Phalaris
Species
Phalaris canariensis (Canary grass)
Basic information and facts
Origin:
Mediterranean region
Distribution:
Highest production in Canada, Thailand and Argentina, but also produced in small quantities in Australia, Czech Republic, Hungary and Uruguay.
Annual, biennial, or perennial:
Canary grass is an annual plant.
Height:
The plant height can vary from 0.6 to 1.8 meters.
Propagation:
Grown from seed.
Uses:
Used as a bird seed, often mixed with other seeds.
Crop categories
Cereals
Cool temperate crops
Forage and fodder crops
Mediterranean crops
Minor crops
Subtropical crops
Temperate crops
Pictures
Canary grass (on right) -
Image by Biodiversity Heritage Library