Some Common Plants of Upper Newport Bay

Arundo, Giant Reed  (Arundo donax)
Plant: Tall, erect, rapid growing, perennial reed-like grass, 6 to 24 feet tall.  The jointed stems are 1/2 to 1-1/2 inches in diameter,  hollow and divided by partitions at the nodes. Introduced in California in the early 1800's and was used in the 1820's as roofing material. Reeds for woodwind instruments are still made from the stems.  Very invasive.
Flowers: Large, 12 to 24 inches long, plume-like terminal many branched floral collections.  Seldom blooms in Southern California.

(c)John M. Randall/The Nature Conservancy
Leaf: Long slender blades tapering to a fine point.
Flowering period:   March to September
Can be found here: Bayview nature trail, Interpretive Center, below West Bluffs. Mostly eradicated.
Native Plant: No Halophyte: No
Family Name: Grass
Click on Picture for enlarged version
Similar species:  Giant Wild Rye
Date: 12/27/2009