What is "canary grass"

Canary \Ca*na"ry\, a. [F. Canarie, L. Canaria insula one of the Canary islands, said to be so called from its large dogs, fr. canis dog.]

1. Of or pertaining to the Canary Islands; as, canary wine; canary birds.

2. Of a pale yellowish color; as, Canary stone.

   Canary grass, a grass of the genus Phalaris ( Phalaris Canariensis), producing the seed used as food for canary birds.

   Canary stone (Min.), a yellow species of carnelian, named from its resemblance in color to the plumage of the canary bird.

   Canary wood, the beautiful wood of the trees Persea Indica and Persea Canariensis, natives of Madeira and the Canary Islands.

   Canary vine. See Canary bird flower, under Canary bird.

n. (taxlink Phalaris canariensis species noshow=1), a (l/en: grass) whose seeds are used as (l/en: birdseed)

n. Canary Islands grass; seeds used as feed for caged birds [syn: birdseed grass, Phalaris canariensis]

Canary grass is a plant, Phalaris canariensis, belonging to the family Poaceae. Originally a native of the Mediterranean region, it is now grown commercially in several parts of the world for birdseed. This large, coarse grass has erect, hairless stems, usually from 2 to 6 feet (0.6- 1.8 metres) tall. The ligule is prominent and membranous, ¼ inch (0.6 cm) long and rounded at the apex. The gradually tapering leaf blades are 3½–10 inches (8.9–25.4 cm) long, ¼–¾ inch (0.6–1.9 cm) wide, flat, and often harsh on both surfaces. The compact panicles are erect or sometimes slightly spreading and range from 3–16 inches (7.6–40.6 cm) long with branches ½–1½ inches (1.2–3.8 cm) long. Single flowers occur in dense clusters in May to mid-June or August. Inflorescences are green or slightly purple at first, then become tan.

The seeds are shiny brown. The seed is used as bird food and is generally mixed with rapeseed and other seeds that cheapen it. It should be kept in a dry place and away from vermin. Industrially, a flour made from seed is employed in the manufacture of fine cotton goods and silk stuffs.

Phalaris canariensis resembles Phalaris arundinacea (reed canary grass), a perennial forage crop and a wild grass. Although heads of both crops are panicles, Phalaris canariensis heads resemble club wheat.

In the Canary Islands, Italy and North Africa, P. canariensis is used as food. In certain parts of Mexico, such as Valle de Bravo, it is prepared and sold by street food vendors as a much appreciated form of atole. However, the seed hulls appear to contain silica fibers, which are linked to esophageal cancer; In 2013, a new hull-less or glabrous variety was announced as a gluten-free food for humans.