What is a Wetland? Functional Importance? Wetland Loss Wetland Types The Great Lakes Invasive Species

INVASIVE SPECIES Common Reed (Phragmites australis): Native vs. Introduced Species The native common reed has occurred in North America for over 40,000 years. It is traditionally used as a source of materials for weaving mats and baskets, and thatching roofs. This plant inhabits wetlands in undisturbed ecosystems and is in balance with its environment. It grows to 5 meters in height in moderately dense stands. The plant's stems and leaves provide cover for wildlife in the summer as well as the winter, and muskrats feed on its rhizomes. However, over the past century, a European strain of Phragmites australis has been introduced to North America. As studies in Quebec show, the European species has been present in the province since the early 1900's. Since the 1970's, it is dominant in 95% of common reed colonies in the province. It is thought that development of highway networks in the 1960's and 1970's was an important contributor to the spread of the European species and its invasion to wetlands. While similar in appearance, the introduced species is more aggressive, chokes wetlands, and displaces the native common reed, leading to degradation of wetland habitats. Adopt-A-Pond recommends that homeowners and communities first identify the species of reed and be vigilant to remove new arrivals and small stands of the introduced species before they become unmanageable. This will prevent spread or expansion of reed from roadsides to adjacent wetlands. Read more ©2010 Toronto Zoo. All rights reserved. Images not to be reproduced.    Sitemap     admin

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