Canary Grass (Phalaris canariensis)

Family: Poaceae or Gramineae | Edibility: Edible (2/5)

Phalaris canariensis is a ANNUAL growing to 1 m (3ft 3in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. It is in leaf from May to October, in flower from July to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Wind. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Nuts/Seeds, Leaves

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Late Summer, Spring

Flavor & Culinary Uses

Seed - cooked. Widely grown as a food for caged birds, the seed is rather small but can also be used as a cereal for making porridge etc. It can be ground into a flour and used for making cakes, puddings etc. Leaves - cooked. — Widely grown as a food for caged birds, the seed is rather small but can also be used as a cereal for making porridge etc.; It can be ground into a flour and used for making cakes, puddings etc.; The young plant is used.

Habitat & North American Range

Dry open habitats. A casual of waste places in Britain. (Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9)