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Common Reed - phragmites australis 

reeds
Common Reed© John M. Randall

Common reed is onn the worst-pest list from The Nature Conservancy's North Carolina Coastal region.

 

Phragmites invasions may threaten wildlife when it alters relatively diverse Spartina marshes. It grows in large colonies in water several feet deep or along moist shores. Phragmites easily might be confused with the non-native invasive, Neyraudia.  Phragmites is a problem when and where stands appear to be spreading while other species typical the of the community are diminishing. Disturbances or stresses such as pollution, alteration of the natural hydrologic regime, dredging, and increased sedimentation favor invasion and continued spread of Phragmites. Common reed is native to Florida.

 

Common reed is a very large, erect grass (to 16 feet tall). The flat, smooth leaf blades alternate along top half of stem. Leaves may be 2 feet long and more than 1 inch  wide. The silky, plume-like inflorescence at the stem tip is large, silvery tan, and often drapes to one side. The stalks are hairy.