Fauna
Plant · GBIF taxon 5290149

Common Reed

Phragmites australis

Also known as Common Reedgrass

Common reed is a towering perennial grass that forms dense stands from spreading underground rhizomes. Broad leaves line rigid stems topped by large feathery flower clusters that turn tan with age.

wetland grassrhizomatousdense stand
Common Reed reference1 / 7
Licensed reference(c) Douglas Goldman, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA), uploaded by Douglas Goldman · cc-by-sa
—observations
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Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & prey
  • Produces energy through photosynthesis and obtains water and nutrients through extensive rhizomes
Predators
  • reed aphids
  • moth larvae
  • grazing mammals
ThreatsDrainage, pollution, altered salinity, burning, and control programs where aggressive lineages dominate
HabitatsMarshes, shorelines, ditches, estuaries, and other wet or seasonally flooded ground
Life spanLong-lived perennial clones can persist and expand for many decades
Classification
  1. OrderPoales
  2. FamilyPoaceae
  3. GenusPhragmites
  4. SpeciesPhragmites australis
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is low
Dense stems can conceal deep mud and water; observe from stable ground.
Responsible observation
  • Identify: Check for broad blades, tall jointed stems, and a large feathery panicle.
  • Respect: Do not cut or transport stems because some populations spread aggressively.
Related species

Related species have not been added yet.

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