Phragmites

Phragmites australis

Phragmites (also known as the common reed) is a non-native, invasive wetland plant that has:

• Round, hollow, erect stems that can grow to 12 feet tall.
• Sheath-like leaves that grow to about 2 feet long and taper to a point at the tip.
• Purplish-brown plumes that appear on the tops of the stems by late June.
• Gray-green foliage during the growing season. In fall the plant turns brown and most leaves drop off, leaving only the feathery plumes.

Where does phragmites grow?

Phragmites is found mostly in and near fresh to brackish wetlands, as well as in riparian areas like river banks and lake shores. The plant's seeds spread when wetlands and marshes are disturbed by ditching and filling, making phragmites especially common in ditches, roadsides and dredged areas.

Other facts about phragmites:

• Unlike the native plants (like wild rice) that it outcompetes, phragmites is not a valuable food source for waterfowl.