Phalaris minor aka Lesser Canary Grass

Phalaris minor is an annual grass in the Poaceae family. Its common names include small canary grass and littleseed canarygrass. Its native range stretches from Macaronesia through the Mediterranean region. It reaches the Himalaya and Eritrea, spanning parts of three continents. Kew places the species in a subtropical climate group. The RHS lists it as non-native to Britain and Ireland.

Plants reach about 4 feet [1.2 metres] in height. Their spread reaches about 1.6 feet [0.5 metres]. These figures describe a plant taller than it is wide. As an annual, it completes its life cycle within one year. Plants For A Future records leaves from May through October. It gives June to July as the flowering season. Each flower has both male and female organs. Wind carries the pollen, rather than insects or birds.

This grass grows in sandy habitats but accepts other soils. Plants For A Future describes it as easy to grow. Ordinary garden soil suits it, including sand, loam, and clay. It also accepts mildly acid, neutral, and mildly alkaline ground. Give it an open site, since it cannot grow in shade. It prefers moist or wet soil for cultivation. The same source reports tolerance of both dry and wet conditions. This separates its preferred moisture level from the conditions it can endure. It lists USDA hardiness zones 5–9 for the species.

Cultivated beds are a listed setting for this grass. Sow seed in spring directly where the plants will grow. This is the propagation method given by Plants For A Future. That source also flags the species as having weed potential. Its ease of growth therefore comes with a caution about spread. The evidence does not establish how severe that risk is. It provides no species-level account of pests or diseases.

The seeds are edible after cooking and have a limited food role. They can be milled into flour for bread or cakes. Their small size makes collection and preparation awkward. Plants For A Future rates their food value at one out of five. It records no known medicinal uses or other uses. It also reports no known hazards for the species. That statement does not establish safety for every person or animal.