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Phragmites: Questions
& Answers
What is Phragmites?
Non-native Phragmites, also known as common reed, is a perennial
and aggressive wetland grass. Growing in dense stands of reeds
over 10 feet tall, it is easily recognized by its height and
distinctive fronds of fluffy seed heads, which turn from purplish
in July, to brown, then gray by October.
Where does Phragmites grow?
Found in marshes and swamps, along streams, lakes, ponds,
and ditches, Phragmites is most commonly associated with coastal
brackish water, as well as disturbed, moist sites. Often found
alongside roads, stands of the reed are easy to spot-even
by motorists traveling quickly. More and more prevalent in
Scarborough, Phragmites has become so common, many mistakenly
believe it is "the marsh."
How does Phragmites spread?
Often very difficult to eradicate, Phragmites can be an aggressive
species that rapidly colonizes new areas. In addition to distribution
of the seeds in the seedhead that can be seen at the top of
the plant, shoots and rhizomes grow from the nodes, spreading
the plant far beyond its original bounds. Rhizomes may reach
10 meters or more in length, and in sparse stands, shoots
that fall over become horizontal runners.
Why is Phragmites a problem?
Phragmites can be an indicator that a wetland ecosystem is
out of balance. Disturbances or stresses such as pollution,
alteration of the natural hydrologic regime, and increased
sedimentation favor invasion and continued spread of Phragmites.
According to the best available scientific information, there
may be a strain of Phragmites, native to the US, which is
non-invasive and relatively rare. The non-native Phragmites,
which tends to grow in monospecific (one species) stands,
out-competes other plant species.
In contrast to beneficial wetland species, Phragmites provides
little food or shelter value to saltmarsh dependant wildlife,
and contributes to the loss of biodiversity of the associated
native fish and wildlife species typically found in a healthy
saltmarsh. Phragmites itself becomes a greater and greater
problem as the quality of our wetlands deteriorates.
