Common Reed

Common Name of Species:

Common reed

Scientific Name of Species:

Phragmites australis

Where is it native?  What kind of environment is it found in in it’s native habitat?

it is native to Eurasia. It is found in freshwater and brackish marshes, river edges, the shores of lakes and ponds, roadsides and disturbed areas.

What are the effects of this invasive species on the ecosystem?

The common reed is a destructive plant. It crowds out and displaces other plants. It’s roots take up all of the underground growing space which prevent the native plants from growing. The stands block out the sunlight which prevents native plants from growing and the stands provide little food or shelter to animals.

What impacts do you think it will have?

I think it will kill many of the native species in the places it inhabits. Also it may kill nutrients in the ground since it blocks out the sun.

What are the best ways to remove this species?

It can be cut and the roots can be dug up but the plant may regrow from either seeds or remaining roots.

You can use herbicides such as glyphosate.

Found on the EMS campus?
Not currently found.