Common Reed – FranLaff.com

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Common Name

Common Reed

Scientific Name

Phragmites australis

More Clues to ID

This worldwide wetland grass can grow up to 20 feet (6 meters) tall and can cover a quarter of a square mile or more in one stand!

This is the most widely distributed of ALL flowering plants, found in the vast majority of nations, on all continents. Luckily, it is also quite edible and even useful. See the links for details.

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Learn about this species:

This is one of those ubiquitous species that a great many people have seen growing in ditches and marshy areas, often dismissing it as “ditch grass” or even “cattails”.

Image Credits

Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
R.A.Nonenmacher, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Maurice Flesier, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Chris Light, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
other pics from Pixabay or Fran's personal collection

Pssst…

Did you know that this and other species are waiting their turns to be added to Fran’s FREE online courses, like the PLANTS course, or the BIRDS course?

This hairy little plant with 5 pointy petals is native to the Mediterranean region and is both edible and medicinal

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This relative of the European Robin nests across Eurasia, can sometimes be found in small numbers in North America, and overwinters in Africa.

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These plants CAN be a nuisance, with some species having stinging hairs… BUT they are edible and highly nutritious, with various other uses as well!

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This WHITE little plant completely lacks chlorophyll and is often mistaken for a fungus or mushroom. In truth, it is a parasite of fungi that feed on tree roots, and is often found in the shade beneath beech or maple trees.

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