Dwarf Ribbon Grass, Reed Canary Grass, Gardener's Garters 'Dwarf Garters'

My experience with 'Picta' is that it spreads too quickly and aggressively by underground rhizomes for it to be used near other garden pe...Read Morerennials. There are many other more useful ornamental grasses that look very similar without being weedy or thuggish.

Even less aggressive cultivars of invasive species will produce aggressive seedlings.

This species is naturalized through most of the US, and often forms large monoculture stands in wetland habitat. Cultivating it is prohibited in Massachusetts, where it's considered an invasive threat to natural habitat. It's been declared a noxious weed in Washington, and invasive in Connecticut.

The cultivar Dwarf Garters Ribbon Grass is not aggressive in my garden. It is actually the opposite. Perhaps planting this type in shaded...Read More areas helps curb its desire to spread abundantly. I have also read that this cultivar can’t be compared to Reed grass as far as invasiveness is concerned.

The Minnesota DNR has Reed canary grass (Phalaris arundinacea) listed on it's invasive species list.
"Ecological Threat:
...Read Morer /> * Reed canary is a major threat to natural wetlands. It out competes most native species.
* It presents a major challenge in wetland mitigation efforts.
* It forms large, single-species stands, with which other species cannot compete.
* If cut during the growing season a second growth spurt occurs in the fall.
* Invasion is associated with disturbances, such as ditch building, stream channeling sedimentation and intentional planting.
* This Eurasian species has been planted throughout the U.S. since the 1800s for forage and erosion control. It is still being planted."

I will advise against planting this grass. It is very aggressive and you will end up having to control it in one way or another. There ar...Read Moree much better ornamental grasses out there.