Canary Grass; Phalaris canariensis

This Canary grass photo was not taken in Calderdale but just over the hill at Ball Grove Country Park at Cottontree. It was growing in 2 patches at either side of the path. I haven't seen this grass for a while but it is worth looking for it in pavements cracks and stony ground at this time of year.

It is an annual and is mainly seen in gardens, or where bird seed is scattered. To look at, you wouldn't connect it with the same genus as the common Reed Canary Grass Phalaris arundinacea, as it looks entirely different.

Originally from the Canary Isles and Africa, it has been in this country for 400 years and was grown commercially in the early 19thC for bird seed.