Etymology: Phragmites: from Greek phragma, "a fence or screen, hedge," hence growing in hedges
Plants: erect, perennial, 3 1/5 - 16' tall, semi-aquatic, emergent grass, dense stands; stout rhizomes with summer forming buds
Leaves: narrow to 30" long; gray-green
Flowers: light brown to purple; inflorescence spreading spikelet of 3-7 florets with silky hairs; blooms July-Sept.
Habitat: shores, disturbed areas, water to 40" deep; in sediment soil
Invasiveness: Restricted Invasive - Eradicate!
Conservation Status: Native - potentially invasive

Flora of North America: Flora of North America Floristic Rating: Coefficient of Conservatism = 1, Wetland Indicator = FACW+ WIS DNR-Bureau of Endangered Resources: Detailed information on Wisconsin invasive species including decription, habitats, control methods Invasive And Exotic Species of North America: Descriptions, management issues, warnings, photos, etc. USDA Plants Database: Federal Distribution and detailed information including photos Grasses of Iowa: Detailed photographs, descriptions, maps Canada Agriculture and Agri-Food
Alberta Government: "The identification of certain native and naturalized grasses by their vegetative characters", S.E. Clarke, J.A. Campbell and W. Shevkenek. 1950.
(Publication no. 762 ; Technical bulletin no. 50). Drawings, descriptions. University of Wisconsin - Green Bay: Wetland Plants: Photos, descriptions, information University of Wisconsin - Green Bay: Invasive Plants: Photos, descriptions, information USGS - Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center: Wetland Plants and Plant Communities of Minnesota and Wisconsin