Did you know that Arundo (Arundo donax), also known as “giant reed,” is a non-native plant that is highly invasive in California? Arundo resembles bamboo with leaves that resemble corn. It can grow four inches a day and up to thirty feet tall.

Arundo usually grows along streams or other waterways, where it causes erosion and destroys fish and wildlife habitat. It grows in thick stands that can create flood hazards by blocking the flow of water. It is also a fire hazard because it burns easily even when green.

The Friends of Alhambra Creek have put together a fact sheet on Arundo, resources to learn more about it, and how it can be removed safely and effectively. You can find it here at: https://mvsd.org/arundo