Re: Plant ID

[Mark Mayfield]

Hi Shad,

This is common reed (Phragmites australis). I cannot tell from the image if this is the native subspecies (americanus) or the introduced subspecies (australis). The native one is not as much of a nuisance as the introduced one, but it may not matter anyway if the person want to remove it. The plant has thick extensive rhizomes which may be difficult to kill. Apparently the best way to do that is to apply glyphosate directly to the cut stems. The following provides trustworthy information about how best to control common reed.

https://mdc.mo.gov/trees-plants/invasive-plants/common-reed-control

Mark H. Mayfield

Division of Biology
1717 Claflin Rd. 
Manhattan, Kansas 66506-4900
785-532-2795 (voice)

Office: 304 Bushnell Hall

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From: Shad Marston <smar...@ksu.edu>
Sent: Thursday, October 2, 2025 10:59
To: Mark Mayfield <mark...@ksu.edu>
Subject: Plant ID

 

MARK,  What would this be?  It's along her lagoon.  She said she has sprayed twice with 41% glyphosate weed and grass killer, but it won't die

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