Reeds are common wetland plants, recognized by their tall, slender forms and graceful swaying in the wind. These perennial grasses grow in dense stands, creating expansive reed beds alongside rivers, lakes, marshes, and even roadside ditches.
Defining Physical Attributes
Common reeds, scientifically known as Phragmites australis, are characterized by their height, growing between 6 to 15 feet tall, though some can reach up to 20 feet in fertile conditions. Their growth habit is upright and rigid, forming dense stands that can include both live and standing dead stems from previous years. The stems are hollow, cylindrical, and have a rough, woody texture, often appearing tan or golden brown as they mature.
The leaves of common reeds are long, narrow, and flat, measuring between 7 to 24 inches in length and 0.4 to 2.4 inches in width. They are lance-shaped, tapering to a pointed tip, and display a blue-green color. These leaves are arranged alternately along the stem and may droop slightly.
The Distinctive Appearance of Reed Blooms
The reproductive structures of reeds are prominent and offer an identification feature. In late summer, common reeds produce feathery, plume-like clusters at the top of their stems. These flower heads, or panicles, can range from 6 to 16 inches long and are initially purplish or dark purple in color.
As the season progresses, these plumes mature, gradually fading to a silvery, golden, or light tan color as they dry. The numerous small flowers within the panicle develop long, silky hairs, giving the entire structure a fluffy appearance. These feathery plumes are noticeable as they sway in the wind.
Clarifying Reeds from Look-Alikes
Distinguishing reeds from other wetland plants, such as cattails (Typha spp.) and bulrushes (Scirpus spp.), is important. Cattails are mistaken for reeds due to their similar habitat and tall stature. However, cattails are identified by their unique brown, sausage-shaped flower heads, which are distinct from the feathery, plume-like blooms of reeds. Additionally, cattail leaves are broad and grass-like, growing from the base of the plant, whereas reed leaves are narrower and arranged along the stem.
Bulrushes, another group of wetland plants, differ from reeds. While some bulrush species can be tall, their stems are often rounder and solid, unlike the hollow stems of common reeds. Their seed clusters are less showy than reed plumes, appearing more like small, spike-like structures or dense clusters, sometimes located below the tip of the stem. Reeds, with their hollow stems, alternately arranged lance-shaped leaves, and large, feathery terminal plumes, are easily identified in wetland ecosystems.