Phragmites, also known as common reed, is a prominent weed species in Nebraska wetlands. There are two subspecies of Phragmites: Phragmites australis subsp. americanus (native to North America) and Phragmites australis subsp. australis (highly invasive to North America). Nonnative Phragmites is a fast-spreading species that is particularly prominent along the Platte River, as well as wetlands, marshes and streams. Once non-native Phragmites invades an area, it quickly outcompetes native species, creating a monoculture and altering hydrology. It is also less desirable habitat for native birds and mammals and can increase fire danger. 

Phragmites can spread in two major ways. 

1. Phragmites rhizomes or underground stems can grow 10+ horizontal feet per year. These stem fragments can be present in fill dirt and can spread during road/ditch maintenance activities.
2. Also, seed dispersal can occur by wind or bird activities. Each stem of Phragmites has a plume with thousands of light and fluffy
seeds.
 

These plumes are also one of the main identifying characteristics of both native and non-native Phragmites. Native Phragmites growth tends to be less dense with stem color a lighter yellow-green, whereas non-native Phragmites tends to grow in extremely
dense clusters and have a stem color of a darker blue-green. 

Management  From: (Nebraska Invasive Weed: Phragmites, by Gary Stone)
Phragmites australis subsp. australis is a designated noxious weed under the Nebraska Department of Agriculture’s Noxious Weed Program. Using more than one management option is the key to success. 

Prevention, proper identification and early detection are the most effective measures to manage the plant. 

Mowing is one method to manage non-native phragmites but it should be done several times during the growing season to be effective. Mowing alone will not provide control.
 

Both intensive grazing or prescribed burning alone will not control nonnative phragmites. Both will remove
top vegetative growth, but both should be used with other management measures.
 

There are two chemical treatment options available to manage Phragmites australis subsp. australis that show the best promise for control. Herbicide products containing glyphosate and imazapyr labeled for aquatic site use, alone, or in combination, have been effective. Spring chemical applications are made when plants are two to three feet tall. Fall chemical applications should be made two to three weeks prior to a killing frost. Monitor regrowth of surviving plants as repeated herbicide applications may be required. Be sure to select a product labeled for the site. Read, understand and follow all label instructions when using any pesticide.