Phalaris arundinacea L. (reed canary grass: Gramineae) as a hydrophyte in Essex, Connecticut, USA

After the June 1982 floods in Essex, Connecticut, USA, reseeding for stabilization of exposed pond bottoms and subsequent rebuilding of a dam on the Mill Pond, Essex, CT resulted in rooted, floating aquatic mats of Phalaris arundinacea L. This required that the site be weed harvested to restore open water. It is suggested that the species not be used to temporarily stabilize pond bottom soils because of its great and unexpected adaptability to aquatic situations.