INVASIVE SPECIES FACT SHEET Common australis

Description: Problem: Origin:

Common reed is a tall, Common reed is typically Common reed is widely warm-season, perennial the dominant species in distributed, ranging grass. The stems are the areas that it occupies. all over , Asia, erect, rigid, smooth, It is capable of vigorous Africa, America and hollow and can grow up reproduction and often . Recent work to six meters in height. forms dense, monospecific by Saltonstall el. al 2004 The are stiff, stands. The rhizomes lanceolate and 20-40 cm recognizes a native long and 1-4 cm wide. and form dense subspecies of common occur between mats that discourage reed distinct from the July and October and competitors from introduced, invasive are arranged in tawny becoming established. lineage. The native with tufts of These monotypic stands subspecies has been silky hair. The silky alter the that identified at several sites hairs are purplish at first they colonize, eliminating in northern Indiana. Due and become tawny to for native plant and to habitat destruction and dark brown at maturity. animal species including being out competed by The seeds are thin, waterfowl. the European common brown and delicate with a long, narrow bristle. reed, these native While there is a native populations are under subspecies of common threat. reed, ssp. americanus, IPSAWG Ranking: it is not invasive and can be distinguished from the Pictures By (From top to bottom): introduced common reed J. Allison, J. McCauley and J. by several , stem and HIGH HIGH HIGH Swearingen @www.invasive.org. characteristics. Invasive For more information, see are a Threat to: references on back. Ecological Potential for Difficulty of Distribution: Impact Expansion Control • and wetlands Common reed is IPSAWG Recommendation: especially common in • Native plants alkaline and brackish •Do not buy, sell or plant phragmites in Indiana. environments, and can also thrive in highly acidic •Help by eradicating phragmites on your property. • Perennial gardens wetlands. It is common along railroad tracks, • Wildlife roadside ditches, piles of This ranking illustrates the results of an assessment conducted dredge soil and wherever by the Invasive Plant Species Assessment Working Group • and rivers even slight depressions (IPSAWG), which is made up of many organizations and agencies hold water. In Indiana, it concerned about invasive plant species. IPSAWG’s goal is to assess which plant species may threaten natural areas in Indiana and • Human Health is common in wetlands develop recommendations to reduce their use in the state. in the north and in the • Farmland brackish water of oil/gas For more information about IPSAWG and the assessment tool used production areas in the to rank , visit their website: Date Prepared: 08/07 southwest. www.invasivespecies.IN.gov Control Methods: ALTERNATIVES to common reed: Before any control work, germinate. It can also used for common reed be sure that the common be a dangerous option control. It is not selective reed is the invasive non- because of the potential and will kill grasses and native species rather than for spot fires. Cutting broadleaf plants alike. the native subspecies. can also be a successful Application of glyphosate Prescribed burning can control when done at the must take place after the be used but it does not correct time. Colonies tasseling stage when reduce the growing may be eliminated by the plant is supplying ability unless burn annually cutting before nutrients to the rhizome. occurs. However, it does the end of July. If cut at Always read and remove accumulated leaf the wrong time, stand follow pesticide label cord grass litter, giving the seeds of density may increase. directions. (Spartina pectinata) other species space to Glyphosate is commonly

Eight Easy Ways to Combat Invasive Plants

You can help stop the spread of invasive plants by following these 8 easy guidelines: 1. Ask for only non- for invasive species, and and natural areas to assist invasive species when you remove invasives before ongoing efforts to diminish acquire plants. Request that they become a problem. If the threat of invasive plants can’t be removed, Blue joint grass nurseries and garden plants. at least prevent them from (Calamagrostis canadensis) centers sell only non- 7. Help educate your invasive plants. going to seed. community through 2. Seek information on 4. Clean your boots before personal contacts and in invasive plants. Sources and after visiting a natural such settings as garden include botanical gardens, area to prevent the spread clubs and civic groups. horticulturists, of invasive plant seeds. 8. Support public policies conservationists, and 5. Don’t release aquarium and programs to control government agencies. plants into the wild. invasive plants. 3. Scout your property 6. Volunteer at local parks

For More Information: sedge On distinguishing native and non-native genotypes of Phragmites: (Carex stricta) •RECOGNITION OF PHRAGMITES AUSTRALIS SUBSP. AMERICANUS (: ) IN NORTH AMERICA: EVIDENCE FROM MORPHOLOGICAL AND GENETIC ANALYSES; Kristin Saltonstall, Paul M. Peterson and Robert J. Soreng; SIDA 21 (2): 683-692. 2004.

•MORPHOLOGICAL DIFFERENCES BETWEEN NATIVE AND INTRODUCED GENOTYPES OF PHRAGMITES AUSTRALIS, www.invasiveplants.net/ Phragmites/morphology.htm. On this assessment and IPSAWG: IPSAWG Switch grass www.invasivespecies.IN.gov (Panicum virgatum) On identification and control techniques:

Pictures By (Top to Bottom): J. The Nature Conservancy’s Wildland Weeds Anderson, www.nps.gov, G. Fewless www.tncweeds.ucdavis.edu and T. Bodner @ USDA - NRCS Plants Database. On native plant alternatives and sources: Indiana Native Plant and Wildflower Society This grant project made possible with United States Service funds administered by the IDNR, Division of Forestry.