Eastern Forest Threat Center - Common Reed

Search Again

State Information

Select a state,
then click a link.

  • State Forest Agency
  • State Cooperative Extension

County/Parish Information

Select a county,
then click a link.


Common reed infestation

Common reed infestation

Leslie Mehrhoff, University of Connecticut, Bugwood.org

Common Reed
Phragmites australis

Common reed, native to Europe, has become a destructive weed. It can quickly displace desirable wetland plant species such as wild rice, cattails, and native orchids.

Keywords: Poaceae, perennial, grass, wetland, rhizomes, canelike stems, sheath-type leaves, featherlike plumes, monoculture

Distribution Map Distribution Source Image

Threat Description

Common reed is a tall perennial wetland grass ranging in height from 3 to 20 ft. Its cane-like stems, 1 in. in diameter, support broad sheath-type leaves. Large dense, featherlike, grayish purple plumes, 5 to 16 in. long, are produced in late June to September. The plant turns tan in the fall and most leaves drop off, leaving only the plume-topped shoot. The root system is comprised of rhizomes reaching to 6 ft. deep that spread and form large colonies by giving rise to roots and tough vertical stalks. Common reed thrives in sunny wetland habitats. It is particularly prevalent in disturbed or polluted soils with alkaline and brackish waters, but will tolerate highly acidic conditions. It can grow in water up to 6 ft. deep and also in somewhat dry sites. It can be found along roadsides, ditches, open wetlands, riverbanks, lake shores, dredged areas, and disturbed or undisturbed plant communities. Invasive stands of common reed eliminate diverse wetland plant communities, and provide little food or shelter for wildlife. Its high biomass blocks light to other plants and occupies all the growing space below ground. Plant communities can turn into a Phragmites monoculture very quickly.