Phragmites australis

Description

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.

Many species of birds utilize common reed seeds and use the plant’s thick colonies for shelter.