Reed canary grass (Phalaris arundinacea L.) samples of the Palaton variety grown at 10 different locations in northern Europe were analyzed and the effect of growing location and soil type on the carbohydrate composition and lignin content were investigated. The results showed that the major carbohydrate components in delayed harvested reed canary grass were glucose and xylose. Some growing locations and soil types significantly influenced the carbohydrate composition of the grass. Soils with both high organic and clay content produced lower glucose and xylose contents but an increased lignin content. A soil rich in sand gave higher glucose, xylose and arabinose content. Reed canary grass is a perennial rhizome grass that has shown potential as an energy crop for solid bio-fuel production and as a short fibre raw material for the pulp and paper industry. This study showed that delayed harvested reed canary grass can also be a potential new raw material for ethanol production. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.