Common Reed Grass, sometimes called by its scientific name Phragmites, is an invasive plant found throughout the USA. In Ohio it is especially abundant in the wetlands bordering Lake Erie and some large inland reservoirs. Its invasiveness is an enigma because it is apparently a native species that began to dominate and replace other wetland plants only recently. Researchers think that there has been some genetic interchange between native Phragmites and strains introduced from Europe resulting in a more aggressive hybrid. What we know for certain is that Common Reed Grass thrives best in disturbed wetlands that are exposed to chemical pollution (particularly salt) or to unpredictable changes in water levels. The plant outcompetes and replaces the vegetational diversity essential for many birds and other wildlife.
The plant is a tall (10-15 feet) grass with tuftlike flower heads in summer. If you are not familiar with Phragmites just take a look around the Lake Erie marshes, where the plant has largely replaced native cattails in many places.
The plant can be controlled by repeated cutting or pulling where this is practical, and extended flooding also works. Herbicide application is effective but of course may not be an acceptable option in wetlands. You can do a wetland a favor by pulling up Phragmites if you find an isolated infestation, if pulling plants is allowed. (I have yet to see any at Columbus Audubon’s Calamus Swamp.)
For more information, see the article on reedgrass at the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Web site.