Common reed

Phragmites australis

Description:
This aquatic perennial grass can grow up to 6 metres in height. The roots and tough stalks grow from leathery horizontal rhizomes that lie on or beneath the ground surface. The stalks support broad sheath-like leaves, often 20 to 40 centimetres long and between 1 and 4 centimetres wide. Flowers develop by mid-summer and are arranged in tawny spikelets with many tufts of silky hair. The large purple flowerheads turn grey and fluffy in late summer as they go to seed.

Habitat:
The common reed forms dense colonies in sunny wetland habitats such as marshes, swamps, riverbanks and lake shores. The common reed can be found throughout the world.