Phragmites australis

Non-native phragmites is a tall perennial wetland grass ranging in height from 3 to 20 feet. Cane-like stems, about one inch in diameter, support narrow leaves which taper to a point. Large, dense, featherlike grayish purple or pale beige plumes, 5-12 inches long, are produced in summer. The plumes turn tan in fall and most of the leaves drop off the stalks. The root system is made up of strong horizontal shoots, or rhizomes, that grow below the ground or along the water surface. These rhizomes can be 6 feet deep and 50-60 feet long.

Phragmites thrives in sunny wetland habitats. It is particularly common in disturbed or polluted soils with brackish water, but will tolerate a wide range of conditions. In Calumet County it is commonly found along our roadsides, ditches, open wetlands, riverbanks, dredged areas, and in disturbed sites.

It's an astonishingly destructive invasive plant, quickly displacing virtually all native plants and thereby eliminating the diverse wetland communities that support our native wildlife. It rapidly outcompetes all other plants and creates a monotypic community that is hostile for our native species. This invasive plant occurs throughout Calumet County, though it is extremely problematic in Brown County and the western shore of the Bay of Green Bay.

The nodes of the rhizomes are the primary means of reproduction for phragmites. This makes manual removal of the plants very difficult, because any remaining underground node can sprout a new plant.

Do not walk or drive an ATV or other equipment through beds of phragmites. The nodes of the rhizomes can be picked up in the tread of your vehicle, or the soles of your shoes. These small plant fragments can be transferred to new areas on your equipment. If you see phragmites in the field, go around it. If you need to pass close to an infestation, be sure to clean your equipment very carefully to remove any traces of the plant.

Chemical treatments can control phragmites effectively. However, since it is most commonly found in wetland communities, Department of Natural Resources permits are required for chemical treatments, mechanical treatments, and some manual treatments.
For further information on all aspects of this plant, including chemical controls, visit www.wisconsinwetlands.org/phragmites.htm