|
|
Plant
Identification
Common Reed
 Description Management
Options Other
Photos
Phragmites
australis
Common reed is a cane-like
perennial grass that commonly grows from 12 to 16 feet tall, forming
dense stands. Stems are round and hollow with flat leaves along its
length. Leaves are long (up to 24 inches by 2 inches wide) and gradually
taper to a point. The seed head is at the end of the stem and is multi-branched,
8 to 16 inches long. Silky hairs along the flowers axis give a silky
appearance. Common reed can propagate from seeds or from it's creeping
rhizomes.
Submerged portions of
all aquatic plants provide habitats for many micro and macro
invertebrates. These invertebrates in turn are used as food by
fish and other wildlife species (e.g. amphibians, reptiles, ducks,
etc). After aquatic plants die, their decomposition by bacteria
and fungi provides food (called "detritus") for many aquatic invertebrates. Many species of birds utilize common reed seeds and use the plant's thick colonies for shelter.
Back
to Top
Emergent
Plant Index
Back
to Top
|
" indicates Non-Native plants.