| Canary grass | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Rightmost illustration isPhalaris canariensis | |
Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Monocots |
| Clade: | Commelinids |
| Order: | Poales |
| Family: | Poaceae |
| Subfamily: | Pooideae |
| Genus: | Phalaris |
| Species: | P. canariensis |
| Binomial name | |
| Phalaris canariensis | |
Canary grass is a plant,Phalaris canariensis, belonging to the familyPoaceae. Originally a native of theMediterranean region, it is now grown commercially in several parts of the world for birdseed.
Phalaris canariensis resemblesPhalaris arundinacea (reed canary grass), a perennial forage crop and a wild grass. Although heads of both crops are panicles,Phalaris canariensis heads resemble club wheat. This large, coarse grass has erect, hairless stems, usually from 2 to 6 feet (0.61 to 1.83 m) tall. Theligule is prominent and membranous,1⁄4 inch (0.64 cm) long and rounded at the apex. The gradually tapering leaf blades are3+1⁄2 to 10 inches (8.9 to 25.4 cm) long,1⁄4 to3⁄4 inch (0.64 to 1.91 cm) wide, flat, and often harsh on both surfaces. The compactpanicles are erect or sometimes slightly spreading and range from 3 to 16 inches (7.6 to 40.6 cm) long with branches1⁄2 to1+1⁄2 inches (1.3 to 3.8 cm) long. Single flowers occur in dense clusters in May to mid-June or August.Inflorescences are green or slightly purple at first, then become tan.
The seeds are shiny brown. The seed is used asbird food and is generally mixed withrapeseed and other seeds that cheapen it. It should be kept in a dry place and away from vermin. Industrially, a flour made from seed is employed in the manufacture of fine cotton goods and silk stuffs.
In theCanary Islands,Italy andNorth Africa,Phalaris canariensis is used as food. In certain parts ofMexico, such asValle de Bravo, it is prepared and sold bystreet food vendors as a much appreciated form ofatole. However, the seed hulls appear to containsilica fibers, which are linked toesophageal cancer.[1] In 2013, a new hull-less orglabrous variety was announced as agluten-free food for humans.[2]
This article incorporates text from a publication now in thepublic domain: Ward, Artemas (1911)."Canary grass".The Grocer's Encyclopedia. p. 95.
