Invasive Phragmites
Phragmites australis subsp. australis
Invasive Phragmites is an aggressive plant that spreads quickly and out-competes native species for water and nutrients. It releases acid from its roots into the soil to hinder the growth of and kill surrounding plants. While it prefers areas of standing water, its roots can grow to extreme lengths, allowing it to survive in relatively dry areas.

Invasive Phragmites (European Common Reed) is a perennial grass that has been causing damage to Ontario's biodiversity, wetlands and beaches for decades It is not clear how it was transported to North America from it's native home in Eurasia but it is believed to have been brought here to be used in gardening and landscaping.  

Impacts of Invasive Phragmites
  • crowds out native vegetation, thus resulting in decreased plant biodiversity;
  • provides poor habitat and food supplies for wildlife
  • destroys habitat and food supplies that wildlife depends on, including several Species at Risk;
  • grows very quickly thereby causing lower water levels as water is transpired faster than it would be with native vegetation;
  • increases fire hazards as stands are composed of a high percentage of dead stalks; and
  • can affect agriculture, cause road safety hazard and impact recreational activities such as swimming, boating and angling.

Range
 Click here for the Early Detection & Distribution Mapping System (EDDMapS) to view and contribute to Phragmites sightings in Ontario.

Identifying Invasive Phragmites

One factor making the identification of invasive Phragmites difficult is the existence of a closely related native subspecies. Generally, native Phragmites does not grow as tall as the invasive plant and does not out-compete other native species.  Several characteristics of the plant can be useful in distinguishing between the native variety and invasive Phragmites. The following information can help in identifying invasive Phragmites.
Invasive Phragmites:
  • grows in stands that can be extremely dense with as many as 200 stems per square metre;
  • can grow so densely that it crowds out other species;
  • can reach heights of up to 5 metres (15 feet), and
  • has stems that are tan or beige in colour with blue-green leaves and large, dense seedheads.
Native Phragmites:
  • grows in stands that are usually not as dense as the invasive plant;
  • well-established stands are frequently mixed with other plants; and
  • usually has more reddish-brown stems, yellow-green leaves and smaller, sparser seedheads.

What You Can Do
  • Learn how to identify invasive Phragmites and how to avoid accidentally spreading it through its root fragments and seeds. This is especially important if you are planning to do work in an area which contains invasive Phragmites.
  • Do not plant invasive Phragmites. Native Phragmites have the same appearance and do not pose an ecological risk.
  • Gardeners should use only native or non-invasive plants and are encouraged to ask garden centres for plants that are not invasive.
  • Stay on designated trails. Leaving trails or entering areas containing invasive Phragmites can encourage the spread of this plant. When leaving an area containing invasive Phragmites, brush off clothing and clean equipment onsite to avoid the transfer of seeds to new areas. Remove all visible portions of plants and dispose them in the garbage.
  • Do not compost invasive Phragmites. Both seeds and rhizomes (horizontal plant stems growing underground) can survive and grow in compost.
  • If you find invasive phragmites or other invasive species in the wild, please contact the Invading Species Hotline at 1-800-563-7711, or report a sighting online.

Downloads

Phragmites Field Guide
File Size: 2766 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File
Phragmites Info Sheet
File Size: 3932 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File
Phragmites Fact Sheet
File Size: 307 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File
OFAH/OMNR Invading Species Awareness Program. (2012). Invasive Phragmites. Retrieved from:http://www.invadingspecies.com. This factsheet may be reproduced for non-commercial purposes.