Common Reed
(Phragmites australis)
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Katie Einig and Kayla Hoopes
Katie Einig and Kayla Hoopes
Introduction
Introduction
Common Reed (Phragmites australis) is an invasive wetland plant that can be found in coastal North Carolina and across the United States. It is believed to have first been established along the Atlantic coast after being introduced by ballast material from ships in the late 1700s and early 1800s. Native Americans used common reed for many things, including musical instruments, ceremonial reed, arrow shafts, etc. A fun fact about Phragmites is that its name originates from the Greek word “Phragma”, which in Greek means “Fence”.
Common Reed (Phragmites australis) is an invasive wetland plant that can be found in coastal North Carolina and across the United States. It is believed to have first been established along the Atlantic coast after being introduced by ballast material from ships in the late 1700s and early 1800s. Native Americans used common reed for many things, including musical instruments, ceremonial reed, arrow shafts, etc. A fun fact about Phragmites is that its name originates from the Greek word “Phragma”, which in Greek means “Fence”.
Photo by: Cosmin Boroiu
Photo by: Peter O'Connor
Photo by: Peter O'Connor
Taxonomy of Common Reed
Taxonomy of Common Reed
Kingdom: Plantae
Kingdom: Plantae
Phylum: Magnoliophyta
Phylum: Magnoliophyta
Class: Liliopsida
Class: Liliopsida
Order: Cyperales
Order: Cyperales
Family: Poaceae
Family: Poaceae
Genus - Phragmites
Genus - Phragmites
Species - P. australis
Species - P. australis
Photo by: Pat Garber
Niche and Habitat
Niche and Habitat
Common Reed or Phragmites australis has a large niche distribution throughout the United States. However, its native range consists of areas throughout Asia and Europe. While this species of Phragmites is invasive, it has primarily begun to spread in wet areas, including wetlands, river edges, lakes, and ponds. While many plant species are adapted to either fresh or saltwater salinities, this species, in particular, is unique because it can tolerate a large range from fresh to brackish. This species also prefers direct sunlight, which in combination allows it to grow and spread rather quickly, making it hard to contain or control.
Common Reed or Phragmites australis has a large niche distribution throughout the United States. However, its native range consists of areas throughout Asia and Europe. While this species of Phragmites is invasive, it has primarily begun to spread in wet areas, including wetlands, river edges, lakes, and ponds. While many plant species are adapted to either fresh or saltwater salinities, this species, in particular, is unique because it can tolerate a large range from fresh to brackish. This species also prefers direct sunlight, which in combination allows it to grow and spread rather quickly, making it hard to contain or control.
Evolutionary History
Evolutionary History
Phragmites is a perennial grass. The stems can be 15 feet and are rough to the touch. At the beginning of summer in June, feather-like plumes grow, and they have seeds in them by August. Cross-pollination occurs at the end of August through the beginning of September. The seeds are shed in the fall and are transported by water and wind. As winter moves closer and the first frost arrives, the phragmites will move its food storage to its rhizomes, and the leaves begin to die and fall off. By early spring, the new seedlings take root and start to grow.
Phragmites is a perennial grass. The stems can be 15 feet and are rough to the touch. At the beginning of summer in June, feather-like plumes grow, and they have seeds in them by August. Cross-pollination occurs at the end of August through the beginning of September. The seeds are shed in the fall and are transported by water and wind. As winter moves closer and the first frost arrives, the phragmites will move its food storage to its rhizomes, and the leaves begin to die and fall off. By early spring, the new seedlings take root and start to grow.
Phragmites is a smart invader that is fast growing and aggressive. It can spread quickly, allowing it to out compete the native plants. Phragmites has leaves that are positioned horizontally which allows them to compete for light more effectively. They have two types of root systems small and large roots that allow them to gather nutrients from the ground.
Phragmites is a smart invader that is fast growing and aggressive. It can spread quickly, allowing it to out compete the native plants. Phragmites has leaves that are positioned horizontally which allows them to compete for light more effectively. They have two types of root systems small and large roots that allow them to gather nutrients from the ground.
Native versus Invasive
Native versus Invasive
Identifying the native and invasive species of Phragmites can be difficult. However, there are a few ways to tell the difference. One way is by looking at the color of the leaves. Invasive species have darker green leaves, while native species have lighter green or yellow leaves. You can also look for spots made by native fungi, as these spots can be found and observed on native phragmites but not on the invasive phragmites. The culms are also different as the invasive phragmites are ridged and rougher to touch then the native species. Native phragmites appears to be shiny and are smooth to touch. The culm color can vary between the two types of phragmites as the native species can be dark red at internodes and nodes, while the invasive species are green or occasionally red on the lower nodes.
Identifying the native and invasive species of Phragmites can be difficult. However, there are a few ways to tell the difference. One way is by looking at the color of the leaves. Invasive species have darker green leaves, while native species have lighter green or yellow leaves. You can also look for spots made by native fungi, as these spots can be found and observed on native phragmites but not on the invasive phragmites. The culms are also different as the invasive phragmites are ridged and rougher to touch then the native species. Native phragmites appears to be shiny and are smooth to touch. The culm color can vary between the two types of phragmites as the native species can be dark red at internodes and nodes, while the invasive species are green or occasionally red on the lower nodes.
Photo by: Michigan Watershed Council
Photo by: Michigan Watershed Council
Environmental Impacts
Environmental Impacts
With phragmites being found in the Marsh and other habitats, it is altering the distribution of other species of flora and fauna. Phragmites can cause many different environmental impacts. One impact is the height of the phragmites, as it can impact property value and view. Since phragmites can grow to be 15 feet tall, it can have a significant impact on a homeowner’s view. People who were once looking at a beautiful view when they purchased their property are now disappointed as invasive phragmites are obstructing it.
With phragmites being found in the Marsh and other habitats, it is altering the distribution of other species of flora and fauna. Phragmites can cause many different environmental impacts. One impact is the height of the phragmites, as it can impact property value and view. Since phragmites can grow to be 15 feet tall, it can have a significant impact on a homeowner’s view. People who were once looking at a beautiful view when they purchased their property are now disappointed as invasive phragmites are obstructing it.
Another impact is on the recreational use of specific areas. Phragmites can be sharp and can cut skin, creating a hazard in recreational areas. It also reduces native land and aquatic fauna as it grows very quickly. This can reduce the use of the property for recreational purposes such as birdwatching, boaters, naturalist hikers, and hunters. Another issue is that it creates a fire hazard because once they die, they leave dry material that can be easily ignited. This can impact communities around the area.
Another impact is on the recreational use of specific areas. Phragmites can be sharp and can cut skin, creating a hazard in recreational areas. It also reduces native land and aquatic fauna as it grows very quickly. This can reduce the use of the property for recreational purposes such as birdwatching, boaters, naturalist hikers, and hunters. Another issue is that it creates a fire hazard because once they die, they leave dry material that can be easily ignited. This can impact communities around the area.
From a biological standpoint, phragmites tends to outcompete native marsh plants, including the native species of phragmites. In some cases, phragmites has also been known to alter the flow of water, by stopping intertidal channels and small pools of water. Altering the flow of water creates issues for the species that rely on those areas for food and shelter.
From a biological standpoint, phragmites tends to outcompete native marsh plants, including the native species of phragmites. In some cases, phragmites has also been known to alter the flow of water, by stopping intertidal channels and small pools of water. Altering the flow of water creates issues for the species that rely on those areas for food and shelter.
Conservation
Conservation
Common Reed is not a species of concern in North America. In their native habitat, there is some decline due to the economic value of selling the plant. Since it is an invasive species, there are many methods of eradication that have been used to help stop the spread of phragmites. North Carolina has tried flooding, draining, cutting, burning, mowing, and insects. These methods work for a short time but were not helpful overall in the eradication of the species. Currently, they are using the herbicide Glyphosate. This herbicide has its own set of environmental impacts, so it has to be used with care. In Nantucket, they have tried to manipulate the salinity levels and have found that with higher salinity levels, invasive phragmites are declining in health and dying. At the moment, many research efforts are still trying to find effective ways to eradicate phragmites.
Common Reed is not a species of concern in North America. In their native habitat, there is some decline due to the economic value of selling the plant. Since it is an invasive species, there are many methods of eradication that have been used to help stop the spread of phragmites. North Carolina has tried flooding, draining, cutting, burning, mowing, and insects. These methods work for a short time but were not helpful overall in the eradication of the species. Currently, they are using the herbicide Glyphosate. This herbicide has its own set of environmental impacts, so it has to be used with care. In Nantucket, they have tried to manipulate the salinity levels and have found that with higher salinity levels, invasive phragmites are declining in health and dying. At the moment, many research efforts are still trying to find effective ways to eradicate phragmites.
Friends or Foes?
Friends or Foes?
Common Reed is a friend to many nesting shorebirds along the coast and within its habitat. Many birds prefer to nest within the thick branches of the reed as it provides support and coverage of the nest. Birds also enjoy the added benefit of finding food nearby as it can help them catch many meals near their nests.
Common Reed is a friend to many nesting shorebirds along the coast and within its habitat. Many birds prefer to nest within the thick branches of the reed as it provides support and coverage of the nest. Birds also enjoy the added benefit of finding food nearby as it can help them catch many meals near their nests.
While Common Reed may be a friend to some, it can also be a foe to many of the native plants that would typically live within these areas. Since Common Reed grows quickly, it often out completes many of the native plant species taking over many areas and impacting the surrounding ecosystems. This species can also be very difficult to control and manage, making it difficult to fight it once it has started to grow in a certain area.
While Common Reed may be a friend to some, it can also be a foe to many of the native plants that would typically live within these areas. Since Common Reed grows quickly, it often out completes many of the native plant species taking over many areas and impacting the surrounding ecosystems. This species can also be very difficult to control and manage, making it difficult to fight it once it has started to grow in a certain area.
Web Resources for Audience to Explore
Web Resources for Audience to Explore
Phragmites Field Guide - How to distinguish Native versus Invasive Phragmites in North Carolina.
Phragmites Field Guide - How to distinguish Native versus Invasive Phragmites in North Carolina.
How Does it Spread? - Learn how Phragmites spreads and grows!
How Does it Spread? - Learn how Phragmites spreads and grows!
Phragmites resources for teachers and students - Use this site to learn control methods, uses of Phragmites australis, and identification.
Phragmites resources for teachers and students - Use this site to learn control methods, uses of Phragmites australis, and identification.
NC Forest Service's Invasive Species leaflet on Common Reed - Use this site for information specific to North Carolina's control management plan.
NC Forest Service's Invasive Species leaflet on Common Reed - Use this site for information specific to North Carolina's control management plan.
United States Department of Agriculture and Fire Effects Information System - Use this site to learn detailed information on the species, lifecycle, distribution, and control management within the United States.
United States Department of Agriculture and Fire Effects Information System - Use this site to learn detailed information on the species, lifecycle, distribution, and control management within the United States.
Resources
Resources
“Common Reed | National Invasive Species Information Center | USDA.” Www.Invasivespeciesinfo.Gov, www.invasivespeciesinfo.gov/profile/common-reed.
“Common Reed | National Invasive Species Information Center | USDA.” Www.Invasivespeciesinfo.Gov, www.invasivespeciesinfo.gov/profile/common-reed.
“Common Reed (Phragmites Australis).” Www.Invasive.Org, www.invasive.org/alien/pubs/midatlantic/phau.htm.
“Common Reed (Phragmites Australis).” Www.Invasive.Org, www.invasive.org/alien/pubs/midatlantic/phau.htm.
“GISD.” Www.Iucngisd.Org, www.iucngisd.org/gisd/species.php?sc=301.
“GISD.” Www.Iucngisd.Org, www.iucngisd.org/gisd/species.php?sc=301.
Invasive Species Compendium, https://www.cabi.org/isc/datasheet/40514
Invasive Species Compendium, https://www.cabi.org/isc/datasheet/40514
Karberg, Jen. “Controlling Phragmites with Salinity.” Nantucket Conservation Foundation’s Science and Stewardship Department, 20 Mar. 2015, ncfscience.org/2015/03/20/controlling-phragmites-with-salinity/. Accessed 26 May 2020.
Karberg, Jen. “Controlling Phragmites with Salinity.” Nantucket Conservation Foundation’s Science and Stewardship Department, 20 Mar. 2015, ncfscience.org/2015/03/20/controlling-phragmites-with-salinity/. Accessed 26 May 2020.
“Phragmites.” Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council, www.watershedcouncil.org/phragmites.html. Accessed 26 May 2020.
“Phragmites.” Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council, www.watershedcouncil.org/phragmites.html. Accessed 26 May 2020.
Swearingen, Jil, and Kristin Saltonstall. Distinguishing Native and Exotic Forms of Common Reed (Phragmites Australis) in the United States Phragmites Field Guide. 2010. http://nc-ipc.weebly.com/uploads/6/8/4/6/6846349/phrag_field_guide_final_051810.pdf
Swearingen, Jil, and Kristin Saltonstall. Distinguishing Native and Exotic Forms of Common Reed (Phragmites Australis) in the United States Phragmites Field Guide. 2010. http://nc-ipc.weebly.com/uploads/6/8/4/6/6846349/phrag_field_guide_final_051810.pdf
“The Invasion of the Reed Plant | Coastal Review Online.” Www.Coastalreview.Org, 22 Apr. 2013, www.coastalreview.org/2013/04/the-invasion-of-the-reed-plant/. Accessed 26 May 2020.
“The Invasion of the Reed Plant | Coastal Review Online.” Www.Coastalreview.Org, 22 Apr. 2013, www.coastalreview.org/2013/04/the-invasion-of-the-reed-plant/. Accessed 26 May 2020.
Winter, Lois. PHRAGMITES: Questions and Answers What Is Phragmites? How Did Phragmites Get Here? 2007, www.fws.gov/GOMCP/pdfs/phragmitesQA_factsheet.pdf.
Winter, Lois. PHRAGMITES: Questions and Answers What Is Phragmites? How Did Phragmites Get Here? 2007, www.fws.gov/GOMCP/pdfs/phragmitesQA_factsheet.pdf.
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