Phragmites (Phragmites australis) | Accent on Natural Landscaping

We have some phragmites (Phragmites australis) on the WILD Center site, and have discovered that it is impossible to get rid of.

Great Lakes Now has dedicated segments and full episodes to exploring the destruction of wetlands, habitat loss, and management efforts. Be sure to watch the video of wetland ecologist Janice Gilbert and her team attempting to stop its spread. Can these invasive phragmites be stopped?

Battling Invaders and Exploring Hidden Habitats

Phragmites, a tall wetland grass, has been a part of U.S. wetlands for many years.

Non-native, invasive species are costly, disrupt natural ecosystems, and consequently threaten native species. Introduced in the early 19th century from Europe, phragmites aggressively displaces the native strain. It has spread across the U.S. and Canada.

Below ground, introduced phragmites forms a dense network of roots and rhizomes that can extend downward several feet. It spreads horizontally by sending out rhizome runners that can grow 10 or more feet in a single growing season. (Watershed Council)

A dense stand of senesced invasive phragmites (left). Sparse stems of native phragmites grow alongside a variety of other species (right). Photo courtesy of Katherine Hollins and Wes Bickford.

These aggressive invasive plants form dense stands that quickly out-compete native plants, degrade large areas of highly productive wetlands, and drastically reduce habitat diversity and function.

Phragmites — invasive non-native (left) and native (right). (Watershed Council)

Invasive phragmites — invasive (left) and native (right). (Watershed Council)

It’s hot! But there is no place to go! All the beaches are filled with phragmites.

Note: The 1, 3 and 4 photos above courtesy of Watershed Council.

The image on the Home page shows a non-native, invasive phragmites.

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