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Invasive Species in Amherst State Park
Phrgmites australis ssp. Australis - Common Reed, Common Reed Grass
Infestation Photo
photo by WNY PRISM
June 5, 2015
Common Reed Grass (Phrgmites australis ssp. Australis) is a tall perennial grass with feather like plumes at top of its stems which can reach heights of up to 12 feet. Invasive, non-native stands of Phragmites can become so dense that diverse wetland plant communities are eliminated, thus removing the food and shelter for fish and wildlife provided by native plants. Colonies of Phragmites spread mainly by rhizomes, which can spread up to 16 feet a year, and to a smaller degree, by seeds. It can grow in damp ground, in standing water up to 3 feet deep, or even as a floating mat. Tall stands of Phragmites have a visual impact by blocking the view of the water and surrounding habitat.