Common Reed
Phragmites australis
- Native to:
- Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Angola, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Baleares, Baltic States, Belarus, Belgium, Belize, Benin, Bolivia, Botswana, Bulgaria, Burkina, Cameroon, Canary Is., Cape Verde, Chad, Chile, China, Colombia, Congo, Corse, Costa Rica, Cyprus, Czechia-Slovakia, Denmark, DR Congo, East Aegean Is., Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Eritrea, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Finland, France, French Guiana, Gambia, Germany, Great Britain, Greece, Guam, Guatemala, Guinea-Bissau, Gulf of Guinea Is., Gulf States, Guyana, Hainan, Honduras, Hungary, India, Iran, Iraq, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kirgizstan, Korea, Kriti, Krym, Kuril Is., Kuwait, Lebanon-Syria, Lesotho, Libya, Madeira, Malaya, Mauritania, Mexico, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Nansei-shoto, Nepal, Netherlands, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Norfolk Is., North Caucasus, Norway, NW. Balkan Pen., Oman, Pakistan, Palestine, Panamá, Peru, Poland, Portugal, Prince Edward I., Puerto Rico, Romania, Russia, Sardegna, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Sicilia, S
Anil Öztas
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Poaceae
- Genus:
- Phragmites
- Species:
- Phragmites australis
- USDA Symbol:
- PHAU7
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Graminoid , Shrub , Subshrub
- Height:
- 400 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- Low
- Bloom Months:
- jul,aug,sep
- Bloom Colors:
- purple, brown
- Food Forest:
- Contains edible parts
Wildlife Benefits
- Butterflies & Moths:
- ★★★★★ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)
- Caterpillars:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)
Host Plant for Caterpillars
Gabara subnivosella, Broad-winged Skipper (Poanes viator), Yuma Skipper (Ochlodes yuma)
Reported Fauna Sightings
Moths:Elachista helodella Butterflies:Yuma Skipper (Ochlodes yuma)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- birds, aquatic invertebrates
- Salt Tolerant:
- Yes
- Fall Color:
- tan, brown
- Fire Ecology:
- Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
- Fire Notes:
- Fire can reduce aboveground biomass but rhizomes survive and resprout vigorously; frequent fire may help control spread.
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- fertile, waterlogged, organic-rich soil
- pH:
- 5.5 - 8.5 (slightly acidic to alkaline)
- Drainage:
- tolerates poor drainage
- Moisture:
- consistently moist to wet
- Notes:
- commonly found in wetlands and marshes
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- None required
- Germination Time:
- 7–30 days
- Notes:
- Seeds germinate readily in moist soil without pretreatment; light may enhance germination.
Where to Buy
Nationwide Seller
- Bamert Seed (seeds)