Few plants are more often referred to by their scientific name than their common name.  The common reed (Phragmites australis), is widely known as Phragmites.  This tall (2 – 4 meter) perennial grass spreads rapidly and forms large pure stands.  In late summer and fall, the reed is topped by highly branched feathery plumes.  This “plume grass” is occasionally collected for home use as a decorative dried plant.  Southampton trail hikers come across Phragmites in Elliston Park, the Long Pond Greenbelt, and elsewhere.

Even though Phragmites may in some circumstances prevent erosion, the reed’s reputation among ecologists is tainted because is does not appear to contribute as much food or shelter for wildlife than the plants it replaces.  M.P. Weinstein and J.H. Balletto (Estuaries vol. 22, 1999) discuss some additional ecological effects of Phragmites expansion in salt marsh.  During the last century, Phragmites has been replacing other vegetation in Atlantic coastal marshes at a rate of about 1% to 6% of the marsh surface per year.  By virtue of its ability to build up the marsh surface, Phragmites affects the landscape and hydrology of the marsh.  These alterations restrict access to the marsh by small fishes that use intertidal creeks to avoid predators, feed and to breed, and also reduce exchange of organic materials between the marsh and the adjacent estuary.  Furthermore, the pattern of replacement by Phragmites results in the fragmentation (no pun intended) of contiguous stands of Spartina and other marsh plants.  This fragmentation comprises the capacity of the marsh to support the diversity and production of marsh fauna.  

Life is unfair.  While we can admire these majestic reeds and their changing seasonal colors, these plants are indicators of disturbed wetlands and appear to be less than desirable members of our estuarine environment.