Reed

Reed Overview

A small genus containing 4 species of rhizomatous perennial grasses in the Poaceae family native to the wetlands of temperate and tropical zones worldwide. Commonly known as reeds, they grow in large tufts, have grass-like linear leaves and tall panicles of feathery dark purple flowers followed by grey spikelets carrying long silky hairs to aid seed dispersal. They are cultivated as pond marginal plants and are vigorous clump-forming and colonising plants that can become invasive. Phragmites australis is the only commonly grown species. It is usually found in lakeside locations where there is plenty of space, or it can be grown in large containers and sunk in water to curtail growth. Its flowered spikes are commonly used for dried flower arranging.