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Common Reed

Phragmites australis

Photo of Common Reed
Photo by Dr. John Meade, weed scientist emeritus
Rutgers NJAES Cooperative Extension

A large grass with stout, almost woody, stems often used for thatch roofs. It is found in wet soils, especially in roadside ditches. It has a much branched flower head. It spreads rapidly and widely by means of rhizomes and stolons. Tolerates salt water.

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Original Photographs and Image Descriptions:

Dr. John Meade
Weed Scientist Emeritus
Dept. of Plant Biology & Pathology
Rutgers, The State Univ. of NJ
59 Dudley Road
New Brunswick, NJ 08901-8520

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