Phalaris aquatica

Phalaris, toowoomba canary grass

Tufted perennial with culms 60 cm or higher. Deep-rooted, persistent and palatable. Should be only lightly grazed until fully established. May be toxic (causing "Phalaris staggers") during early growth after first rains. Combines well with kudzu.

The variety P. stenoptera (Hack.) Hitchc., called Harding grass, is similar to P. aquatica, but is more robust and has short creeping rhizomes. Used as a pasture grass in winter-rainfall areas.

							As % of dry matter
						DM	CP	CF	Ash	EE	NFE	Ref
Fresh, mature, India						31.2	12.8	23.7	10.8	5.1	47.6	190
Fresh, average value, Chile						21.6	15.1	28.1	13.2	3.6	40.0	315
							Digestibility (%)
					Animal		CP	CF	EE	NFE	ME	Ref
Fresh, mature					Sheep		61.0	60.0	34.0	68.0	2.16	190