Phragmites communis Trin., common reed 
DESCRIPTION 
Warm-season, rhizomatous, stoloniferous perennial. 
Height: 6 to 12 feet. 
Leaf blade: Flat; smooth; 1/2 to 2 inches wide; 6 to 18 
inches long. 
Seedhead: Open panicle purplish or tawny, flaglike appear- 
ance after seed shatter. 
GROWTH CHARACTERISTICS 
Growth starts in February in some locations. Foliage stays 
green until frost. New shoots grow from buds at nodes of old 
stems, stolons, and rhizomes. Common reed is readily identified by 
its height. It is the tallest grass in southern marshes and swamps. 
DISTRIBUTION 
To some extent throughout the United States, southern Canada, 
and as far south as South America. 
SITE ADAPTATION 
Grows in marshes and swamps, on banks of streams and lakes, 
and around springs. Grows best in firm mineral clays. Tolerates 
moderate salinity. Does best if water level fluctuates from 6 
inches below soil surface to 6 inches above. Common reed is often 
codominant with big cordgrass ( Spartina cynosuroides) on the 
gulf coast marsh rangelands. 
USE AND MANAGEMENT 
Although coarse, common reed is readily eaten by cattle and 
horses. It provides high quality warm-season forage but becomes 
tough and unpalatable after maturity. Animals grazing this grass 
during winter should be fed a protein concentrate. Common reed 
has been used by Mexicans in the Southwest for lattices in con- 
structing adobe houses. Indians have used the stems for arrows 
and for weaving mats and carrying nets. 
This grass cannot withstand prolonged heavy grazing. Its up- 
right growth makes it easy for livestock to remove all the leaves. 
For maximum production, no more than 50 percent of current 
year’s growth by weight should be grazed off during growing sea- 
son. Common reed tolerates burning if water is above soil sur- 
face. Burning is not essential for management. Water control that 
lowers the water level but does not drain the area increases pro- 
duction. Grazing deferments of 60 to 90 days every 2 to 3 years 
during the growing season improve plant vigor. 
145 
