common reed
Latin name: Phragmites australis
Family: Poaceae
Other common names;
Flowering time: August to October
Height: to 4m
Growing conditions: wet areas
Nectar source for:
Food source for:
Description
Common reed forms extensive, yellow-brown reedbeds. These reedbeds are important habitats for birds, including rare and threatened species like Bittern, Marsh Harrier and Bearded Tit. Common Reed grows from creeping rhizomes (underground stems). Over time, reedbeds of Common reed will naturally be encroached by scrub and succeed to woodland if they are left alone. However, for many years they have been cut and managed to produce reeds for thatching buildings. Continuing this form of management keeps the habitat intact, providing a home for specialist wildlife.
How to identify: Common reed has tall, hollow, golden stems. It has large, feathery, flower spikes that appear dark purple, but slowly fade to brown as the spikelets (containing the flowers) grow bristles.
How to propagate:
Family: Poaceae
Other common names;
Flowering time: August to October
Height: to 4m
Growing conditions: wet areas
Nectar source for:
Food source for:
Description
Common reed forms extensive, yellow-brown reedbeds. These reedbeds are important habitats for birds, including rare and threatened species like Bittern, Marsh Harrier and Bearded Tit. Common Reed grows from creeping rhizomes (underground stems). Over time, reedbeds of Common reed will naturally be encroached by scrub and succeed to woodland if they are left alone. However, for many years they have been cut and managed to produce reeds for thatching buildings. Continuing this form of management keeps the habitat intact, providing a home for specialist wildlife.
How to identify: Common reed has tall, hollow, golden stems. It has large, feathery, flower spikes that appear dark purple, but slowly fade to brown as the spikelets (containing the flowers) grow bristles.
How to propagate: