Phalaris canariensis
Canary Grass
Canary grass is a coarse, erect plant with hairless stems typically ranging from 2 to 6 feet (0.61 to 1.83 meters) in height. It has prominent, membranous ligules and gradually tapering leaf blades that are 3.5 to 10 inches (8.9 to 25.4 cm) long and 0.25 to 0.75 inches (0.64 to 1.91 cm) wide. The compact panicles are erect or slightly spreading, ranging from 3 to 16 inches (7.6 to 40.6 cm) long with branches 0.5 to 1.5 inches (1.3 to 3.8 cm) long. The flowers are dense clusters that appear in May to mid-June or August, with inflorescences turning from green or slightly purple to tan.
Details
Poales
Poaceae
Phalaris
The seeds contain silica fibers, which are linked to esophageal cancer when consumed. The hulls of the seeds also contain these silica fibers.
The seed is primarily used as bird food and can be mixed with other seeds. It has also been used industrially to make flour for fine cotton goods and silk stuffs. In certain regions, it is used as a food source for humans, particularly in the Canary Islands, Italy, North Africa, and parts of Mexico. However, due to the health risks associated with silica fibers, a new hull-less variety has been developed for safer human consumption.
May to mid-June or August
2 to 6 feet (0.61 to 1.83 meters)
Green or slightly purple turning tan
Mediterranean region, commercially grown in several parts of the world
Info
Pannon Flora Ltd. was founded on December 13, 1999, by Gábor Janik, who retains 95% ownership. Janik holds an MSc in Horticulture from the University of Horticultural Sciences (1986) and an Advanced Professional English Certification from the College of International Trade (1990). The company specializes in bird feed production and export, primarily serving markets in Italy, Germany, the Netherlands, and the UK, alongside cultivating and distributing imported/exported horticultural seeds. It maintains exclusive partnerships with JOEUN Seed (South Korea) and Takii Europe (Japan), a leader in professional seed breeding and production. Pannon Flora collaborates with certification bodies such as NÉBIH (National Food Chain Safety Office), MERT Kontroll, and SGS Hungary to ensure compliance and quality. The company works with approximately 400 Hungarian growers, ranging from small-scale producers (under 5 hectares) to mid-sized farms and large-scale agricultural enterprises. This profile emphasizes agribusiness expertise, technical partnerships, and operational scalability tailored to international client needs.
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