Species Spotlight: Phragmites

Looks like: This large grass grows in stands as tall as 15 feet. Its stiff, wide leaves can be up to 20 inches long. Large plumes are bright purple when in flower, but turn gray when seeds ripen.

Grows in: Swamps, marshes, edges of ponds and sunny wetlands.

Niche: Deer like to use phragmites for bedding, while some wetland birds use it as cover and nesting habitat.

Threats: Aphids sometimes feed heavily on leaves. Machinery and excavated ditch material spread plants to new locations, where they can become invasive.

Frequency: Common.

Reproduction: This grass sprouts vigorously from underground roots called rhizomes.

Fun facts: The flowers are popular in floral arrangements. At one time, the stems were used to thatch the roofs of Mohonk Mountain House gazebo-like summerhouses.

Read more: A study conducted in 2007 by a Mohonk Preserve intern showed that stands of phragmites were steadily increasing in size and spreading across the Shawangunk Ridge.

Although the plant can be useful for flood prevention and water purification at wastewater treatment plants, its aggressive spread threatens the survival of native plants and can clog natural wetlands and reed beds, as well as structures like drainage ditches and culverts. Both native and nonnative variations of phragmites exist, with the latter seeming to be more invasive.

"Species Spotlight" is a regular feature in My Valley.