Seasonal Wild Flowers

Latin name

Phragmites australis

Other names

Reed

Family

Poaceae

Flowering season

August to October

English distribution

It is found throughout the country but is absent from the

uplands of the North and the West Country.

For a map see the Botanical Society of Britain and Ireland

– Common Reed

Habitat

It grows as large reed beds in shallow fresh and brackish

water.

Description

Common Reed is a native, rhizomatous and stoloniferous

herb growing up to 4m.

The flowers are in small spikelets in purple panicles up

to 30cm long.

Each flower has 3 stamens with purple anthers and

white filaments.

There are 2 white, feathery stigmas.

Leaves are flat and up to 2cm wide at the base. They

are long and taper to a point. They break off in winter.

Stems are hollow and overwinter.and have been

traditionally used for thatching.