Common Invasive Plants | Common Reed
Common Reed
Phragmites australis
Common Reed is a very tall perennial wetland grass that grows up to 13 feet in height. Purplish-brown plums appear in late July. This plant can spread “run” over large areas. Found along lakeshores, riverbanks and almost any moist area.
How to Control
Although the role of seeds in establishing new colonies is uncertain, careful disposal of common reed plumes, as from decorative floral arrangements, is recommended. Mechanical cutting of Common Reed may contain it. Recent efforts to smother with black plastic have had some success. There is no easy solution to the control of this aggressive species. Herbicide control of Common Reed is a two-year, two-step process at the very least and is most effective when applied in the early fall when nutrients are being displaced from the leaves and stems for storage in rhizomes. Chemical application in or near a wetland area requires the employ of a State Licensed Pesticide Applicator for protection of this environmental sensitive ecosystem.
Common Reed is a very tall perennial wetland grass that grows up to 13 feet in height. Purplish-brown plums appear in late July. This plant can spread “run” over large areas. Found along lakeshores, riverbanks and almost any moist area.
How to Control
Although the role of seeds in establishing new colonies is uncertain, careful disposal of common reed plumes, as from decorative floral arrangements, is recommended. Mechanical cutting of Common Reed may contain it. Recent efforts to smother with black plastic have had some success. There is no easy solution to the control of this aggressive species. Herbicide control of Common Reed is a two-year, two-step process at the very least and is most effective when applied in the early fall when nutrients are being displaced from the leaves and stems for storage in rhizomes. Chemical application in or near a wetland area requires the employ of a State Licensed Pesticide Applicator for protection of this environmental sensitive ecosystem.
