Common Reed
Phragmites australis
Embedded Files
"Phragmites australis ssp. americanus - American common reed" by Matt Lavin is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.
About
About
Phragmites australis, or Common Reed, is a perennial grass native to North America. However, the invasive strain was brought to the U.S. from Europe in the 1800s. This plant can grow up to 20 feet tall and is found near roadways, lakeshores, and riverbanks.
"Phragmites australis ssp. americanus - American common reed" by Matt Lavin is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.
"Phragmites australis ssp. americanus - American common reed" by Matt Lavin is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.
"Phragmites australis ssp. americanus - American common reed" by Matt Lavin is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.
Identifying Features
Grows up to 20 ft. tall
Long, lance-shaped gray-green flowers
Stalks and plumes turn tan in the fall and remain throughout the winter
Lack of bulbs where the leaves join the stem
"Phragmites australis ssp. americanus - American common reed" by Matt Lavin is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.
"Common Reed (Phragmites australis)" by Peter O'Connor aka anemoneprojectors is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.
Ecosystem Impacts
Ecosystem Impacts
Crowds out native plants
Decreases biodiversity and creates a monoculture
Clogs up waterways and native animals can't eat the reed
The tight reeds also prevent nesting and breeding
Removal Techniques
Removal Techniques
"Clip and Drip"
Clip the stalk near the base of the plant
Using a stem injection gun to inject herbicides into the hollow stem
If you have a smaller infestation, you can:
Manually pull out the plants
Cover them with a plastic mat to block out the sunlight
Mow at the end of July
Repeat annually until the infestation is controlled
Glyphosate can be applied to stems
Native Alternatives
Native Alternatives
"Big Bluestem" by Arilenamay is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.
Big Bluestem
Blue or purple stems as the plant matures
"Carex scoparia (pointed broom sedge), Carver, MA" by Doug_McGrady is licensed under CC BY 2.0.
Broom Sedge
Bullet-shaped spikes of flowers and grass-like leaves
"Sporobolus alterniflorus" by miquelon is licensed under CC BY 4.0.
Smooth Cordgrass
Yellowish-green flowers in the fall
"Salix caprea catkins 080315-1" by Aconcagua is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.
Pussy Willow
Small true with white-gray catkins
References
References
"Invasive Plants in Your Backyard!" by the Connecticut River Coastal Conservation District
Identifying Features
Removal Techniques
Native Alternatives
"Adirondack Invasives: Phragmites" by The Nature Conservancy
About
Identifying Features
Removal Techniques
Common Reed on USDA National Invasive Species Information Center
Ecosystem Impacts
Removal Techniques
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