Phalaris aquatica

Phalaris aquatica, known by the common names bulbous canary-grass[2] and Harding grass, is a species of grass in the genus Phalaris of the family Poaceae.

Description

It is an erect, waist-high, stout perennial bunch grass with grayish to bluish green leaves. Flowering heads are dense, spike-like, and usually two to five inches long. It is slow to develop from seed, but can form large bunches after several years.[3]

Phalaris arundinacea (reed canary grass) differs from Harding grass in having more distinct rhizomes and an inflorescence that is compact at first but later becomes more open as the branches spread.

Hybrids of harding grass and reed canary grass have been produced. Varieties include 'AQ1', 'Uneta', and 'Australis'.
Geography

Phalaris aquatica originated from Southern Europe and the Caucasus. It is now naturalized in South Africa, Australia, New Zealand and the USA.[4]
Chemical constituents

Leaves and seedlings contain dimethyltryptamine, 5-methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine, bufotenin and related compounds,[5][6] and gramine.[7]
Human consumption

The grass, along with Phalaris arundinacea can be ingested through various methods to achieve euphoria and mild transient hallucinations. These effects are due to trace amounts of the compound dimethyltryptamine. Common methods of use include processing into an ayahuasca and also smoking the raw or processed grass. There has been very little professional study of these effects although several recreational users swear by the plant's effects.

Gramine is usually toxic to most living organisms, including humans. It's typically filtered out in the process of preparing the plant for smoking or otherwise.
Forage

Phalaris aquatica is a pasture species grazed by ruminants. The grass can also be cut, providing good quality fodder for grazing livestock for 8 to 12 months a year.[4]
Toxicity

Some Phalaris species contain gramine, which can cause brain damage, other organ damage, central nervous system damage and death in sheep[7] although Phalaris aquatica is said to be non-toxic.[8]

Raw, dried Phalaris aquatica contains approximately 0.1% DMT, 0.022% 5-MeO-DMT, and 0.005% bufotenin.[6] A particular strain of P. aquatica from Italy, labeled 'AQ-1', was reported to contain in excess of 1.0% alkaloid concentration.[9]
Seeds

In Victoria, Australia, it is reported that kangaroos grazing on Phalaris aquatica may develop a condition known familiarly as 'Phalaris staggers', where coordination and mobility are affected.[10]
Invasive species

Harding grass is an invasive species in grassland, oak woodland, chaparral, and riparian habitats. Native grasses and grassland habitat in California are affected.
References

"Phalaris aquatica". Germplasm Resources Information Network (GRIN). Agricultural Research Service (ARS), United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). Retrieved 2008-04-02.
BSBI List 2007 (xls). Botanical Society of Britain and Ireland. Archived from the original (xls) on 2015-06-26. Retrieved 2014-10-17.
[1][dead link]
Heuzé V.; Tran G.; Boudon A.; Lebas F. (2017). "Bulbous canary grass (Phalaris aquatica)". Feedipedia.org.
"Tryptamine FAQ". 6 July 1997. Archived from the original on 1997-07-06. Retrieved 29 November 2021.
"Erowid Phalaris Vault : FAQ 2.01". Erowid.org. Retrieved 29 November 2021.
Cheeke, Peter R. (31 August 1989). Toxicants of Plant Origin - Google Book Search. ISBN 9780849369902. Retrieved 2008-04-20.
"The Regional Institute - BREEDING NON-TOXIC PHALARIS (PHALARIS AQUATICA L.)". Regional.org.au. 29 November 2012. Retrieved 29 November 2021.
"Erowid Online Books : "Ayahuasca: alkaloids, plants, and analogs" by Keeper of the Trout". Erowid.org. Retrieved 29 November 2021.
Printz, Jo; Kearney, Mark (21 June 2018). "Grass to blame for staggering death of 'drunken' kangaroos". Abc.net.au. Retrieved 29 November 2021.