Phragmites australis aka Common Reed

Taxonomy

Genus Phragmites Family Poaceae Order Poales Class Liliopsida Phylum Tracheophyta
Phragmites australis, also known as the common reed, is a species of flowering plant in the grass family Poaceae. This wetland grass has a cosmopolitan distribution worldwide and can grow up to 20 feet (6 metres) tall. It is a vigorous reed grass that spreads by rhizomes, forming an extensive colony of erect, leafy, robust stems. The leaves of Phragmites australis are linear and drooping, turning light brown in autumn. In late summer, it produces large feathery purple panicles of flowers at the terminal ends of the stems.

Common names

Common Reed, Phragmites

How to care for Common Reed

Difficulty

If you're looking for a plant that offers a moderate level of challenge, Common Reed is a great choice to test your gardening skills.

Water

Common Reed should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Lighting

To ensure optimal growth, the Common Reed prefers bright indirect light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.

Dormancy

During the cold period, it is common for Common Reed to go dormant, resulting in a slowdown of growth. To accommodate this, waterings should be spaced out more.

Toxicity

There is no verified data on the toxicity of this plant in the records of Ploi. If any person, including yourself, a family member, or a pet, consume plant material with an uncertain toxicity level, it is advisable to seek the advice of a healthcare expert.

Growth-pattern

Clumping is a defining characteristic of the Common Reed, with new growth appearing from the soil surrounding the primary plant.

Region of origin

Common Reed’s native range is Cosmopolitan, in most regions of the world, including Britain, but absent from the Amazon Basin.

More info:
Wikipedia