Today, it is mostly found in western Canada and it remains cultivated as forage for cattle. Perhaps two types still coexist, but no studies were done to map the genetic distribution of different species and varieties across their distribution area. Agriculturally improved varieties were introduced to North America and these uncontrollably breeded with our native populations. Initially, in the 19th century, it was cultivated in Asia and Europe and used as a fodder plant for cattle. Reed canary grass is a circumboreal species, meaning it is found on all continents (Asia, Europe and North America) at similar latitudes. Furthermore, the species can easily regenerate after several eradication attempts, even over many years, because the topsoil on which it established itself contains massive amounts of dormant seeds, which will rapidly recolonize a cleared site. The success of this plant relies on its important seed production, and its capacity to vegetatively (asexually) reproduce through its rhizomes. It forms very dense colonies, which prevents other plant species from establishing themselves, which decreases the potential biodiversity of colonized areas. Reed canary grass (Phalaris arundinaceae) is a member of the grass (Poaceae) family, just like common reed (Phragmites australis) - however, unlike this species, reed canary grass is rarely taller than 2 meters.

Canary grass