Invasive Phragmites (European Common Reed) is an invasive plant causing damage to Ontarioâs biodiversity, wetlands and beaches. Native Phragmites usually has a reddish stem, often with black spots, and is smaller in stature with a different form of seed head. A major problem with Phragmites is it will continue to expand throughout the marsh until the marsh is a monoculture of Phragmites. Native Phragmites. Phragmites were at one point considered an invasive and exotic species in North America, however, recent evidence has shown that the plants are ⦠Phragmites australis var. Disturbances are the main reason why the phragmites spread so quickly. Tall, dense stands: Decrease native plant biodiversity and wetland habitat, particularly for migrating waterfowl Reduce beach and shoreline use, view-sheds and values Alter the structure and function of marsh systems by changing species composition, nutrient cycles and hydrological regimes. Taxonomy. The Problem Common reed has been invading agressively many tidal marshes and some inland wetlands. Sheâs been studying salt marshes for Mass Audubon for more than two decades. Phragmites are the tan/beige stems, blue-green coloured leaves and rigid stem (culm) with tightly clinging leaf sheaths (Swearingen and Saltonstall, 2010). However, they have smaller diameter stems, narrower and longer leaves, sometimes with a white mid ⦠If the conditions are right it can reach 15 feet. The main reason Phragmites spread so easily is because of the lengthy roots. can be confused with Phragmites due to their showy, feathery plumes. Why is non-native Phragmites a problem? No characteristics are completely reliable for distinguishing non-native from native Phragmites in the northeast. Phragmites is a genus of four species of large perennial reed grasses found in wetlands throughout temperate and tropical regions of the world. I talked to Liz Duff when I was researching this story. And the phragmites is a really tough invader that can come and crowd out the native marsh species. It grows in dense clusters and normally reaches 5 to 10 feet in height. The Invasive Phragmites is an invasive perennial grass that now thrives in much of the wetlands around the Great Salt Lake and other marshes in northern Utah. Stands that have been around for long periods are intermingled with ⦠Several species of ornamental grasses (Miscanthus spp.) And she really laid out the case for why we should be getting rid of phragmites⦠Although common reed can be a problem ⦠Its inflorescence is usually sparser than non-native Phragmites, as are most patches where it grows. Regardless of its genetic status, common reed is creating a problem for many native species. invasive Phragmites is genetically different from natural populations of this species. 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