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Common questions

How do I identify Phragmites?

How do I identify Phragmites?

Native and invasive Phragmites have distinctive ligules – the membranous extension of the leaf sheath at the point where it meets the blade – making it a reliable indicator for identification.

Is Phragmite edible?

A sweet liquorice-like taste[95], it can be eaten raw or cooked[62]. The stems can be boiled in water and then the water boiled off in order to obtain the sugar[178]. A sugary gum that exudes from the stems can be rolled into balls and eaten as sweets[183].

What are Phragmites used for?

Phragmites australis is one of the main wetland plant species used for phytoremediation water treatment. Waste water from lavatories and greywater from kitchens is routed to an underground septic tank-like compartment where the solid waste is allowed to settle out.

How do I get rid of invasive Phragmites?

Creating multiple stresses on the plants is the most effective way to control phragmites. Herbicide treatment in conjunction with prescribed fire, mechanical treatment or flooding have proven to be effective in controlling phragmites and allowing native plants to reestablish.

What is the common name for Phragmites?

the common reed
Phragmites australis, known as the common reed, is a broadly distributed wetland grass growing nearly 20 ft (6 m) tall.

Are cattails Phragmites?

Phragmites are an invasive species and are capable of growing to heights of 18 ft where Cattails usually only 5-10 feet tall. They both have dense stands and are capable of having long life spans. Phragmites have woody, hollow stems and leaves that taper from the base to a pointed tip.

How do Phragmites spread?

While the predominant form of spread to new areas is via seed dispersal, Phragmites can also spread to new areas when pieces of rhizomes or stolons are broken off of a parent plant and moved to a new location where they can root. This can happen due to natural forces such as wind or flood waters.

How do you control a strangling dog vine?

Removal of dog-strangling vine is quite difficult once established. Ideally, digging out the root of a first year established plant will prevent its spread. Care must be taken to remove the entire root since plants can re-sprout from any remaining rootstock.

How deep do Phragmites roots go?

Below ground, Phragmites australis forms a dense network of roots and rhizomes which can go down up to two meters in depth to reach deep ground water (MA DCR 2002).

Why is Phragmites a problem?

Non-native Phragmites can negatively affect the biodiversity and ecological functions of invaded habitats, impair the recreational use of wetlands and shorelines, decrease property values, and increase fire risk.

Where did Phragmites originally come from?

Native Range: Although the specific ephithet australis suggests it is native to Australia, it is believed that Phragmites australis subspe. australis originated from the Middle East (Swearingen and Saltonstall 2010). It now has a worldwide distribution and is considered native to Europe.

How tall can Phragmites grow?

15 feet tall
Phragmites can grow to 15 feet tall.