Plant name

[bigpete]

Yup, gotta' be careful about those "invasive species." I have unintentionally planted a few in my time. For the most part, those types of grasses won't spread too far in urban or even suburban settings where there is a considerable amount of effort put into lanscape and property maintenace. Once you get into rural and coastal areas, look out. I've alway found my county ag extension office to be very helpful in picking the right varieties. There's usually a similar planting that will have the same effect without choking out some other living thing.

 

[rmorgan]

Arundo donax is actually a grass, and a pretty cool one at that. We've grown it ornamentally for years, although always away from buildings because it does get messy. It is seriously invasive in California (and maybe Texas?) rivers and streams (and in its native India) because of the warm climate, soft, fertile soil, and abundant water. Here in Ohio, it is only mildly invasive, and thus easily controlled, because of the combination of our dense clay and cold winters. I've read that it is the only source for clarinet and other woodwind reeds, papermaking, and rayon, and also has a bunch of folk-remedy uses. Interesting plant!!