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How to Control Common Reed

close up common reed

Phragmites australis

More Info & Photos of Common Reed

Non-Herbicide Management Options

1. Physical Management Options

Common reed can be cut and the rhizomes can be dug up. Physical control is difficult because it can re-establish from remaining seeds or  rhizomes. Frequent mowing is sometimes effective for the control of Common Reed.

2. Biological Management Options

There are no known biological controls for common reed; however, goats are known to forage on many types of emergent vegetation.

Herbicide Control Options

Always read the product label for directions and precautions, as the label is the law. Click on the name of the product to see the label. Read the label for specific water use restrictions.

The active ingredient that has been most successful in treating Common Reed include:

  • Glyphosate (Rated: Excellent)
  • Imazamox (Rated: Good)
  • Imazapyr (Rated: Excellent)

These ratings are based upon the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers aquatic herbicide trials.

1) Glyphosate

Liquid glyphosate formulations have been effective on common reed above the water line, but ineffective on plants in the water. They are broad spectrum, systemic herbicides. Systemic herbicides are absorbed and move within the plant to the site of action. Systemic herbicides tend to act more slowly than contact herbicides. An aquatically registered surfactant (see the label) will have to be added to the glyphosate solution for good results.

Common trade or product names include but are not limited to:

  • Rodeo
  • Aquamaster
  • Eraser AQ
  • Touchdown Pro
  • AquaNeat
  • Refuge

2) Imazamox

Imazamox is a broad spectrum, systemic herbicide. Systemic herbicides are absorbed and move within the plant to the site of action. Systemic herbicides tend to act more slowly than contact herbicides. An aquatically registered surfactant (a substance that will release the surface tension) is needed for application.

Common Trade of product names include but are not limited to:

  • Clearcast
  • Beyond Herbicide

3) Imazapyr

The active ingredient, imazapyr, inhibits the plant enzyme AHAS (acetohydroxyaced synthase). Habitat is a systemic herbicide that is effective on post-emergent floating and emergent aquatic vegetation. Imazapyr is effective at low-volume rates and does not contain heavy metals, organochlorides or phosphates, making it safe to humans and livestock. Habitat requires the use of a spray adjutant when applying on post-emergent vegetation.

Common trade or product names include but are not limited to:

  • Habitat
  • Arsenal
  • Polaris

Precautions

One danger with any chemical control method is the chance of an oxygen depletion after the treatment caused by the decomposition of the dead plant material. Oxygen depletion can kill fish in the pond. If the pond is heavily infested with weeds, it may be possible (depending on the herbicide chosen) to treat the pond in sections and let each section decompose for about two weeks before treating another section. Aeration, particularly at night, for several days after treatment may help control the oxygen depletion.

One common problem in using aquatic herbicides is determining area and/or volume of the pond or area to be treated. To assist you with these determinations see SRAC #103 Calculating Area and Volume of Ponds and Tanks.

Many aquatically registered herbicides have water use restrictions (See General Water Use Restrictions).

To see the labels for these products click on the name. Always read and follow all label directions. Check label for specific water use restrictions.

Cultivation Options

Common reed can be propagated by transplanting the rhizomes during late winter. Common reed will do best in moist soils above permanent water, but it can be an aggressive invader of ponds.

Questions?

If you need assistance, contact the Ag & Natural Resources agent in your county or hire a professional.

2023 Aquatic Webinars

Apr. 18: Pond Stocking 

May 16: Aquatic Plant ID & Management Options

Jun 20: Fish Management Strategies

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Photo Credits: The majority of the aquatic plant line drawings are the copyright of the University of Florida Center for Aquatic Plants (Gainsville). They are used with permission.

Aquatic plant photographs were provided by David Bayne, Jim Davis, Kelly Duffie, Billy Higginbotham, Michael Masser, John Clayton, Chetta Owens, Diane Smith, Joe Snow, Don Steinbach, Bridget Robinson Lassiter and Peter Woods.

You may use these photos, so long as you give credit to AquaPlant.

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