Phragmites australis
common reed, phragmites
Photo credit: Larry Allain, U.S. Geological Survey
Photo credit: Larry Allain, U.S. Geological Survey
Photo credit: Larry Allain, U.S. Geological Survey
Photo credit: Larry Allain, U.S. Geological Survey
Photo credit: Larry Allain, U.S. Geological Survey
Photo credit: Larry Allain, U.S. Geological Survey
Photo credit: Larry Allain, U.S. Geological Survey
Family
Poaceae
Leaf Arrangement
alternate
Leaf Attachment
sheathing
Leaf Margin
entire
Leaf Type
simple
Leaf Shape
linear
Growth Form
forb, shrub, graminoid
Flower Color
inconspicuous
Flower Month
June - October
Height (meters)
1.3 - 4.3
Milky Sap
No
Armed/Unarmed
Unarmed
Origin
introduced, native
Lifespan
perennial
Wetland Class
FACW
Wetland Coefficient of Conservatism
9
Field Characters
Stems woody, bamboo like, leaf blades alternate along top half of stem, sheath smooth. Leaves 2 inches wide (one of only 12 grasses in eastern US with this trait). Stem beneath leaf is purple = native variety, if green = non-native variety. Similar to Spartina cynosuroides which has numerous spikes in inflorescence.
Animal Use
Provides fair to good forage and good nesting habitat for mottled ducks; cannot withstand heavy grazing.
Habitat
Fresh and alkaline marshes, pond margins, ditches, swamps, wet shores, tolerant of salt, streams, and lake borders.
Plant Uses
Good for shoreline stabilization.