Davey Tree Flipbooks

COMMON REED GRASS (Phragmites australis) PLANT DESCRIPTION Common reed grass or phragmites is a tall perennial grass with a prominent seed head and tillering leaves that grow in upward angles. Mature phragmites can grow to over 10 feet in height. Phragmites is usually found growing in large, dense colonies, crowding out all other plants. LEAF: Tillering leaves grow along the stem and point away from the stem at slightly upward angles. Leaves are slender and pointed. STEM: Each plant has a single stem, but usually grows in dense patches. Stems are smooth and hollow. FLOWER: The flower and seed head is brown to reddish brown. These are most noticeable in late summer to fall. FRUIT/SEED REPRODUCTION: Phragmites reproduces primarily through underground root rhizomes, but can also spread by seed. WHY IT IS A PROBLEM: Phragmites colonies can obscure fixed objects like culverts and drainage outflows. It can overtake ditches and wetland areas, creating habitat diversity concerns. WHERE TO FIND Common across Ohio In wet areas around culverts and in areas that have poor drainage or standing water. CONTROL METHODS MECHANICAL: Removal with heavy equipment is difficult in wetland areas. Mow when ground is frozen to remove skeletons so new growth can be sprayed more easily in summer. Manual string trimming is the best option for cutting during warm months. CHEMICAL: Spray glyphosate or imazapyr in summer after flowering before seedheads form. CULTURAL: Improve drainage and reduce standing water. RECOMMENDATION SUMMARY: Prevent phragmites colonies from creating management concerns by improving drainage in wet areas and making herbicide applications in late summer just after seedhead development. Phragmites may be difficult to control with herbicides, so repeat applications may be necessary over several years. perennial NARROW LEAF CATTAIL and HYBRID CATTAIL (Typha angustifolia and Typha X glauca) PLANT DESCRIPTION Cattail is a grass that grows in dense colonies and prefers wet areas. A mature cattail plant can be over 6 feet tall. Cattails are single stem plants with slender upwards pointing leaves and brown or cottony seed heads. Usually found growing in large, dense colonies. LEAF: Upwards pointing, slender and smooth with no visible veins. Leaves wrap around stem at base. STEM: Each plant has a single stem that is smooth and hollow. The tender stem when broken near the base smells like cucumber. FLOWER: The flower is a dull brown spike growing at the top of the single stem. FRUIT/SEED REPRODUCTION: Brown seed heads are easily noticed at the top of the plants. Seeds are arranged around the stem in a tight, velvety cylinder. They eventually break open and turn to cottony tufts. WHY IT IS A PROBLEM: Cattail colonies can obscure fixed objects like culverts and drainage outflows. Cattails can overtake ditches and wetland areas, creating habitat diversity concerns. WHERE TO FIND Common across Ohio in wet areas around culverts and in areas that have poor drainage or standing water. CONTROL METHODS MECHANICAL: Removal with heavy equipment is difficult in wetland areas. Manual trimming is the best option for sight distance. CHEMICAL: Spray glyphosate or imazapyr in summer after flowering before seedheads form. CULTURAL: Improve drainage and reduce standing water. RECOMMENDATION SUMMARY: Prevent cattail colonies from creating management concerns by improving drainage in wet areas and making herbicide applications in late summer just after flowering. perennial 55

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