Giant reed brought to California now doubles or triples wildfire fuel

 Giant reed, a plant native to eastern Asia, was introduced to California in the 1820s for roofing material and erosion control. It has since become an invasive weed, growing rapidly and forming dense stands that displace native plants. In Southern California’s Santa Ana River Basin, arundo infestations have almost tripled fire fuel loads and also increased pressure on water resources. Giant reed, a plant native to eastern Asia, was introduced to California in the 1820s for roofing material and erosion control. It has since become an invasive weed, growing rapidly and forming dense stands that displace native plants. In Southern California’s Santa Ana River Basin, arundo infestations have almost tripled fire fuel loads and also increased pressure on water resources.