Arundo donax, a noxious, invasive plant

"Arundo donax (giant reed) is a tall perennial grass (family Poaceae) that typically forms dense stands on disturbed sites, sand dunes, riparian areas, and wetlands. It has invaded central California River valleys in San Luis Obispo and Monterey counties, the San Francisco Bay Area, the Sacramento and San Joaquin River valleys and is also increasing in the North Coast region. Arundo donax is threatening California’s riparian ecosystems by outcompeting native species, such as willows, for water." - Cal-ICP

A Guide to the Study of Arundo donax by Alan J. Oakins, provides valuable information about its negative impacts on riparian habitat as well as chemical and mechanical eradication methods.

Ailanthus seeds

Arundo donax grows in very dense stands, chokes off and kills other plant life and is unsuitable as a food source or nesting habitat for animals. Besides severely damaging the natural ecosystem, it can also clog stream flows and is a tremendous fire hazard.

Ailanthus seeds

Arundo donax chokes native plants in the riparian corridor, creating a monoculture that provides no food or habitat to sustain wildlife. In addition, its stems and leaves contain a wide array of chemicals, including silica, triterpines, sterols, cardiac glycosides, curare-mimicking indoles, hydroxamic acid, and numerous other alkaloids.

Biocontrol Battle Begins Against Giant Reed
Ecology and Management of Arundo Donax, and Approaches to Riparian Habitat Restoration in Southern California
These links provide methods of biological, mechanical & chemical management of this noxious, invasive plant.