Lexi Webster
Phragmites australis, or common reed, is a species of flowering plant in the grass family Poaceae. It is a wetland grass that can grow up to 20 feet (6 metres) tall and is native to Europe. However, it has been introduced to other parts of the world, including North America, where it is considered an invasive species. The invasive strains of P. australis are known to crowd out native species and lower local plant biodiversity. Due to its deep and strong roots, it is challenging to control and eradicate. Ongoing research suggests that goats may be effective in controlling the spread of this species.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Common Name | Common Reed |
| Scientific Name | Phragmites australis |
| Family | Poaceae |
| Type | Herbaceous Perennial, Grass, Helophyte (Aquatic Plant) |
| Origin | Europe |
| Distribution | Cosmopolitan, Found in North America, the U.S., Canada, Louisiana, Mississippi River Delta, Wisconsin, North Carolina |
| Habitat | Wetlands, Alkaline Habitats, Brackish Water, Upper Edges of Estuaries, Grazing Marshes, Coastal Areas, Standing Water |
| Height | Up to 20 feet (6 meters) |
| Leaf Length | 7-24 inches |
| Flower Color | Gray/Silver, Purple/Lavender, Dark Purple |
| Flower Bloom Time | Late Summer, Mid-Summer through Fall |
| Growth Rate | Rapid |
| Maintenance | High |
| Control Methods | Burning over multiple seasons, Grazing by Goats |
| Impact | Crowds out Native Species, Lowers Local Plant Biodiversity, Increases Methane Emissions, Increases Carbon Dioxide Uptake |
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What You'll Learn
Phragmites australis is invasive in North America
Phragmites australis, also known as the common reed, is a species of flowering plant in the grass family Poaceae. It is a wetland grass that can grow up to 20 feet (6 metres) tall and has a cosmopolitan distribution worldwide. While Phragmites australis is native to some parts of North America, specifically the subspecies americanus, the subspecies australis is invasive in North America. This invasive species was introduced to the continent from Europe as early as the late 1700s but more likely in the 1800s.
The non-native subspecies of Phragmites australis was first introduced to the east coast of North America and has since expanded its range westward. It is now considered one of the most problematic invasive species in North America, causing serious issues for native wetland plants and ecosystems. The native subspecies americanus is markedly less vigorous than the European subspecies australis, which outcompetes native vegetation and lowers local plant biodiversity.
Invasive Phragmites australis forms dense, thickets of vegetation that are unsuitable habitats for native fauna. It displaces native plant species such as wild rice, cattails, and native orchids. The invasive species has a high above-ground biomass that blocks light from reaching other plants, allowing areas to turn into Phragmites monocultures very quickly. The slow decomposition of invasive Phragmites further contributes to the dominance of this species over native vegetation.
The invasive nature of Phragmites australis also impacts human activities and the local economy. It can grow over trails, making them difficult to navigate, and increase the risk of flooding and soil erosion, leading to cloudy water, lower water quality, and silted spawning beds. These issues can negatively affect ecotourism activities, such as hunting and outdoor recreation, which support local economies across the Great Lakes basin. Therefore, the presence of invasive Phragmites australis can impact both the environment and the quality of life for people in the affected regions.
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It is rarely invasive in Europe
Phragmites australis, or common reed, is a species of flowering plant in the grass family Poaceae. It is a wetland grass that can grow up to 20 feet (6 metres) tall and has a cosmopolitan distribution worldwide. While it is considered invasive in North America, it is rarely invasive in Europe.
In North America, the expansion of Phragmites australis subsp. australis is due to the more vigorous, but similar-looking European subspecies. It is commonly considered a non-native and often invasive species, introduced from Europe in the 1800s. The North American native subspecies, P. a. subsp. americanus, is markedly less vigorous than European forms. The invasive European strains have caused serious problems for many other North American hydrophyte wetland plants, including the native P. australis subsp. americanus. It outcompetes native vegetation, lowers local plant biodiversity, and displaces native plant species such as wild rice, cattails, and native orchids. The invasive reed grass subspecies thrives in wetlands, and its dense thickets of vegetation create unsuitable habitats for native fauna.
However, in Europe, common reed is rarely invasive. One exception is in damp grasslands where traditional grazing has been abandoned. Under regular grazing conditions, the common reed is suppressed and either grows as small shoots within the grassland sward or disappears altogether. The plant is extensively used in phytodepuration, or natural water treatment systems, as the root hairs are excellent at filtering out impurities in wastewater.
In North America, Phragmites australis is causing significant problems in Michigan wetlands, changing them for the worse. It has quickly spread through Michigan marshes and wetland areas, robbing fish, plants, and wildlife of nutrients and space. It crowds out other plants, creating monotypic dense stands of invasive plants, and blocks access to water for swimming, fishing, and other recreational activities. The invasive nature of Phragmites australis in North America has led to various challenges and concerns, with ongoing research focused on effective methods of controlling and eradicating the species.
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Livestock grazing can suppress its growth
Phragmites australis, or the common reed, is an invasive grass species that has taken over wetlands and disturbed, moist areas across North America. It is native to Europe and was introduced to the US in the 1800s. This wetland grass can grow up to 20 feet tall and forms dense thickets that are unsuitable for native fauna. It has a negative impact on wildlife, particularly birds, and land managers are keen to control its spread.
Livestock grazing has been identified as a potential biological control agent for Phragmites australis. Grazing by livestock can suppress the growth of Phragmites australis, and in some cases, even lead to its disappearance. This method has been used in Europe for 6,000 years to control the spread of this invasive species.
Goats, in particular, have been found to be effective in suppressing the growth of Phragmites australis. Experimental field tests have shown that rotational goat grazing can reduce the cover of Phragmites australis from 100% to 20%. Goats can reduce stem density by up to 50%, stem height by up to 60%, and cover by up to 80%.
Cattle grazing has also been used to control the spread of Phragmites australis in northern Utah wetlands. A high-intensity, short-duration grazing pattern, with a frequency of every 2-3 weeks, has been found to be effective. Grazing should begin when Phragmites reaches 2-3 feet in height, typically between May 1 and June 1, and should continue as long as possible into the fall.
However, it is important to note that grazing may not always directly impact the rhizomes of Phragmites australis, and grazing at the wrong time of year may have little impact. Additionally, there are potential negative consequences of grazing, such as changes in nutrient cycling, negative impacts on remaining native plants, and physical disturbance of fragile ecosystems. Therefore, it is important to carefully consider the conditions before implementing grazing as a control strategy.
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It is a native plant in North America and Europe
Phragmites australis, or common reed, is a species of flowering plant in the grass family Poaceae. It is a wetland grass that can grow up to 20 feet (6 metres) tall and has a cosmopolitan distribution worldwide. While it is considered a non-native and often invasive species in North America, introduced from Europe in the 1800s, there is evidence of the existence of Phragmites australis as a native plant in North America before European colonisation of the continent. The North American native subspecies, P. a. subsp. americanus, is sometimes considered a separate species, P. americanus. It is markedly less vigorous than European forms and is the tallest native grass in Nova Scotia, Montana, and possibly other states or provinces.
In North America, the more vigorous, but similar-looking European subsp. australis, outcompetes native vegetation and lowers local plant biodiversity. It forms dense thickets of vegetation that are an unsuitable habitat for native fauna and displaces native plant species such as wild rice, cattails, and native orchids. It is considered one of the most problematic invasive species in North America. The non-native haplotype is dominant along the Atlantic Coast and in the Great Lakes area, and it is becoming common in urban areas in western North America as well.
In Europe, common reed is rarely invasive, except in damp grasslands where traditional grazing has been abandoned. It is the primary source of thatch for traditional thatched housing in Europe and beyond. It is also used in phytodepuration or natural water treatment systems since the root hairs are excellent at filtering out impurities in wastewater.
Overall, while Phragmites australis is considered a native plant in both North America and Europe, the European subspecies has become invasive in North America, causing significant problems for native plant species and local ecosystems.
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It is a wetland grass
Phragmites australis, or the common reed, is a species of flowering plant in the grass family Poaceae. It is a wetland grass that can grow up to 20 feet (6 metres) tall and is found worldwide. The erect stems of the Phragmites australis grow to between 2 and 4 metres tall, with the tallest plants growing in areas with hot summers and fertile growing conditions. It commonly forms extensive stands, known as reed beds, which can be as large as 1 square kilometre or more. The plant can spread quickly, at 5 metres or more per year, by horizontal runners that put down roots at regular intervals.
Phragmites australis is a helophyte, or aquatic plant, that is commonly found in alkaline habitats and can tolerate brackish water. As a result, it is often found at the upper edges of estuaries and on other wetlands, such as grazing marshes, that are occasionally inundated by the sea. It can grow in damp ground, in standing water up to 1 metre deep, or even as a floating mat.
In North America, Phragmites australis is considered an invasive species, introduced from Europe in the 1800s. It has been described as a problematic species, outcompeting native vegetation and lowering local plant biodiversity. The invasive variety of Phragmites australis is threatening the ecological health of wetlands and coastal areas in the Great Lakes region by crowding out native plants and animals, reducing access for human activities, and creating fire hazards. The plant is difficult to control, and one of the most effective methods of eradication is burning over 2–3 seasons. Research also suggests that goats may be used to control the species.
In Europe, common reed is rarely invasive, except in damp grasslands where traditional grazing has been abandoned.
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Frequently asked questions
Phragmites australis, known as the common reed, is a species of flowering plant in the grass family Poaceae. It is a wetland grass that can grow up to 20 feet (6 metres) tall.
Phragmites australis is native to Europe and North America. It is commonly found in wetlands and can tolerate brackish water, so it is often found at the upper edges of estuaries and on other wetlands such as grazing marshes.
There is no specific information on what eats Phragmites australis. However, it is known that common reed is suppressed where it is grazed regularly by livestock. Under these conditions, it either grows as small shoots within the grassland sward or disappears altogether. Goats are also being researched as a possible method of controlling the species.
