photo: Cleveland Metroparks
Phragmites (Phragmites australis ssp. australis)
 Cleveland Metroparks |
 Cleveland Metroparks |
 Cleveland Metroparks |
 Leslie J. Mehrhoff, University of Connecticut, Bugwood.org |
Form:
Perennial grass 3-20' tall with cane-like stems, up to 1" in diameter.
Leaves:
Long and tapering, 1-1.5" wide at the base, 10-20" long, and smooth on the blade but rough on the margins. Usually blue-green, as opposed to the yellow-green leaves of native varieties, but may be yellow-green in brackish habitats.
Flowers:
Large, feathery panicles (loose branching inflorescences), 5-16" long, purple-brown, turning golden brown with age. Bloom in late summer.
Fruits & Seeds:
May produce thousands of seeds annually, but viability is typically low.
Roots:
Dense network of roots and rhizomes, up to 6' deep. Rhizomes can grow over 10' a year.
Similar Species:
In North America, both native and introduced subspecies of Phragmites australis are found.
Tier 4 - Widespread and Abundant
These are known problem species throughout Cleveland Metroparks and are currently under active management. Management plans are set using population extent and site-specific information.
Action: These plants should be recored as present or absent. These species are known to be widespread and abundant throughout Cleveland Metroparks.
