Species Spotlight: Common Reed
Phragmites australis, also known as common reed, is a broadly distributed wetland grass that can be seen all throughout Long Island. Common reed grows aggressively and can overtake salt marsh habitats. Development and construction in salt marsh habitats can alter marsh hydrology and allow common reed to invade other areas of the marsh, replacing other native marsh grasses.
Common Reed
Phragmites australis
Common reed can be found in wetland habitats!
The flower of the common reed turns brown and feathery with age.
Common Reed
Scientific Name: Phragmites australis
Identification: Common reed is a perennial grass that can grow up to 15ft. The reed is light green in the spring and summer and changes to light brown in the fall. Its leaves are green in color and smooth, flat, and long. Blooming flower clusters are purple or tan, changing to light brown with age.
Habitat: Common reed can be found in tidal and non-tidal wetlands, brackish and fresh-water marshes, river edges, shores of lakes and ponds, roadsides and ditches.
Find this Species: You can find common reed all over Long Island! If you head to your local wetland habitat, you are sure to find this species! You can also look out for it while driving, as this species also grows along roadsides!
Interesting Facts: As they age, the flowers turn light brown and feathery. The mature flowers remain on the reed until the next flower blooms during the following year.
The seeds of the plant are spread and dispersed by wind and water.
Common reed can also spread by sending out rhizomes, long root runners that are widely spread out underground. These runners sprout frequently, producing large colonies of reeds.
Dense areas of common reed can also create a fire hazard because they are so dry and densely packed.
Marsh restoration efforts are often targeted in areas where common reed is abundant!
