Phragmites

Other Common Names: common reed

(Phragmites australis)

Non-Native

Phragmites have round, hollow stems with a seed head at the end of the stem.

Description

Phragmites are a tall perennial grass with hollow stems that can grow up to 13 feet tall.

They have stiff, wide, green leaves and purple flowers that bloom in the summer. The fruit of Phragmites is gray.

This plant forms dense stands that can outcompete other native plants in ditches, marshes, and the edges of ponds.

Phragmites can reproduce by seed, although the germination rate is low. Most often, the rhizomes spread 17-34 feet and grow all along the way.

Location

Phragmites can be found across the United States.

Propagation

rhizomes