Phalaris arundinacea
Reed canary grass
This perennial grass, associated with Neptune, occurs in a
ring around the northern hemisphere--the northern parts of Europe, Asia,
and
North America. Some people have argued that it is the grass olieribos,
which is called for in an invocation in a version of the Necronomicon. Considering that none of the other candidates for olieribos--nettles,
marijuana, Peganum harmala, aconite, juniper, fennel--are actually grasses
and none grow in swampy areas, as olieribos is said to do, Phalaris sounds
like a reasonable candidate. Fond of wetlands, it is often found together
with purple loosestrife and some believe it can become as pesky a weed. It has been used in
areas set up to filter sewage, but it also enjoys uplands and
can survive drought. It grows best on moist, sandy soil and dislikes
heat (won't prosper in the Deep South). It can grow over 6 feet tall
and tends to form clumps. Some varieties of phalaris make an excellent forage crop; however, this seed comes
from a wholesaler specializing in wetlands reclamation and was not developed
for forage. Top
How to grow: Just barely
cover seeds or merely press into moist soil. Keep moist and at 41F/5C,
if possible—the cooler, the better. It naturally germinates in early spring.
Like all wild grasses, the germination of this seed is irregular; not all the
seed will germinate at once, as happens with cultivated plants. Transplant to
sandy soil and full sun. Once it is established, it grows from creeping rhizomes,
which begin developing after a month of growth. It often grows in low-lying
and marshy meadows and pastures that flood, but it is moderately drought resistance.
It does well in fertile soils and humid areas, but it does not like subtropical
or tropical climates. General
growing info Top
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Discontinued - if you are looking for olieribos, try nettles
