Phragmites

Phragmites australis

Phragmites is an invasive, aggressively growing wetland plant that has:

• Feathery plumes of seeds that are purplish-brown or whitish.
• Round, 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.
• 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 along 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:

• Phragmites is also known as the common reed or reed grass.
• Unlike the native plants (like wild rice) that it outcompetes, phragmites is not a valuable food source for waterfowl.