Giant Reed (Arundo donax)

Family: Poaceae or Gramineae | Edibility: Edible (3/5)

Arundo donax is a tall, perennial grass species with edible, medicinal and other uses. It is one of the most promising crops for energy production in the Mediterranean climate of Europe and Africa. Bloom Color: Green, Purple. Main Bloom Time: Early fall, Late fall, Mid fall. Form: Upright or erect. Common Names: bamboo reed; giant cane; spanish reed; wild cane. Spanish: caña común; caña de Castilla; carizo; carrizo.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Leaves, Roots/Tubers

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Spring, Winter

Flavor & Culinary Uses

Rhizome - raw or cooked. The rhizome can be dried and ground into a powder to make bread, usually in conjunction with cereal flours. It can also be roasted or boiled. Leaves - cooked as a potherb. They are very bitter. — Rhizome - raw or cooked.; The rhizome can be dried and ground into a powder to make bread, usually in conjunction with cereal flours.; It can also be roasted or boiled.; Leaves - cooked as a potherb.

Habitat & North American Range

Ditches, riversides and marshland. (Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9, Zone 10)