Phragmites australis aka Common Reed

Phragmites australis, or common reed, is a perennial grass. It belongs to the grass family, Poaceae. Its native range spans temperate and subtropical lands, plus tropical mountains. It is native to Britain and Ireland. It grows in wet soil and shallow water. It also tolerates brackish water and salt. Underground rhizomes spread fast and build large stands. This reed needs room, and its spread can cause problems.

Garden plants reach about 8–13 feet [2.5–4 metres] tall and wide. NC State reports taller plants reaching 20 feet [6.1 metres]. The upright stems look like canes and have hollow centres. They are tan, with ridges along their length. Long, narrow leaves hang from the stems in an alternate pattern. Their blue-green blades can reach 2 feet [0.61 metres] long. Each leaf has a sheath that wraps around the stem. A small rim with hairs marks the sheath's edge. The leaves turn brown in autumn and tan through winter.

Flower panicles form at the tops of the stems. Their shades range from dark purple to grey. RHS places bloom from late summer onward. NC State describes flowers from midsummer through autumn. Chicago records an earlier season, from May through August. Wind carries the pollen between flowers. The seedheads turn grey and look fluffy in autumn. Fine hairs on the spikelets give them this soft look. The fruit is a caryopsis, a small grain.

Grow common reed in full sun and deep, fertile soil. Keep the soil moist, or grow it in wet ground. It accepts chalk, clay, loam, and sand. It also grows across acid, neutral, and alkaline soils. Avoid very acid sites and soils with few nutrients. RHS rates it H7; PFAF lists USDA zones 4–10. Large containers sunk in water can help limit its spread. Divide plants from early spring to early summer. Cut the stems back in late autumn or winter.

Reed beds can give rare birds places to live. The plant suits pond edges, bog gardens, and wildlife sites. People use the stems for thatch, baskets, paper, and fuel. PFAF records roots, shoots, leaves, stems, and seeds as edible. Roots and young shoots can be eaten raw or cooked. Young leaves also serve as cooked greens or flour ingredients. The sources report no known hazards, but give no pet-specific assessment. PFAF also records traditional medicinal uses. RHS reports few pest or disease problems. Its main drawback is its fast, invasive spread. NC State lists it as invasive in North Carolina. Once established, it can be hard to remove.