Invasive Species | Terrestrial Plants
Phragmites/Common Reed
Photo: Wasyl Bakowsky, NDMNRF
Phragmites/
Common Reed
(Phragmites australis ssp. australis)
French common name: le phragmite commun
Phragmites australis is a type of perennial reed grass commonly found in wetlands, field edges, and along shorelines. Individual stems are tall (1–5m) and have large flowering seed heads and long slender leaves. There are two sub-species in Canada: the native Phragmites australis ssp. americanus and the highly invasive Phragmites australis ssp. australis (aka. Common Reed), native to Eurasia.
When invasive Phragmites invades, it establishes rapidly and forms tall, dense monocultures that outcompete native plant species and reduce food and habitat for various wildlife species. Stands of invasive Phragmites have dense underground rhizome structures that propagate new plants, and large seed heads which make removing/ managing the plant very difficult.
Species information:
Life Cycle- Persists annually, begins producing new growth in spring, persists late into the summer. Come winter, dead stems will dry and remain standing.
Height- Tall reed with a height of 3–5m (12–15ft ), but in NB has been observed at smaller heights around 2–4m (6–12ft).
Leaves- Long lance shaped blue/green leaves with smooth, sharp edges. Adheres tightly to the stem as a sheath.
Flowers- Large and fan-like with many branches. Appears purplish when freshly bloomed and light tan and fluffy later in the growing season.
Stem- Solid green colour, hollow and very sturdy. Rough to the touch with a dull appearance.
Bloom Time- Flowers from early July- to late September, dead flowerheads remain.
Key identification features:
• Very tall (>2m) compared to native grasses, with a large “fluffy” flowerhead
• Dead stems and flowerheads will persist through the winter, stems very rigid
• Forms dense monocultures, no native vegetation will be growing in the stand
Common Look-Alikes to Phragmites
Miscanthus Grasses (aka Silvergrass) • Silver/white coloured, fine textured flowerheads that lean to one side • Similar height to Phragmites, grows in similar monocultures
Brome Grasses (Bromus spp.) • Much smaller than Phragmites (60–120 cm), with similar shaped flowerheads • Stems are not rigid or tough, and break easily
Reed Canary Grass (Phalaris arundinacea) • Much smaller than Phragmites (60–120 cm), with less leaves and a more pronounced stem • Long, slender flowerheads that are dense and unbranched