Phragmites australis
Common reed

Common reed is another very large grass plant, native to Florida. It might be encountered growing in large colonies in water several feet deep or along moist shores. It is used by people and wildlife in many ways. Phragmites easily might be confused with the non-native invasive, Neyraudia.


Common reed is a very large grass. rhizomes thick; stems stiff, erect, to 16 ft. tall; leaf blades alternate along top half of stem, flat, strap-like, smooth, tapering to long tip, to 2 ft. long, to more than 1 in. wide; sheaths smooth; ligule evident, thin; inflorescence conspicuous, large, silvery tan, plume-like, 1-2 1/2 ft. long, silky, on stem tip, often draping to one side, many ascending branches, ring of hairs at base; flowers to 1/2 in. long, stalks hairy


Click here to see the herbarium specimen image of the UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA HERBARIUM DIGITAL IMAGING PROJECTS.

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