Invasive phragmites, also known as the European common reed (Phragmites australis), is a non-native grass species that spreads aggressively in Ontario. It commonly establishes along roadways, shorelines, wetlands, and other natural areas. This plant forms dense monocultures and can grow several metres tall, crowding out native vegetation.

The rapid spread of invasive phragmites, combined with the lack of natural controls in Ontario, creates significant environmental, social, and economic challenges.

Dense phragmites stands eliminate habitat for native plants, fish, birds, and other wildlife, leading to reduced biodiversity and the degradation of critical wetland ecosystems.

Its thick root systems and accumulated plant material can reduce sight lines along roadways, increase fire risks, and block drainage systems causing flooding and increased maintenance costs.

Phragmites can invade agricultural areas and spread rapidly along shorelines and in shallow lake and wetland areas, limiting access for recreational activities and negatively impacting tourism and property values.

• Phragmites Fact Sheet – Ontario.ca
• Phragmites Information – Ontario Invasive Plant Council
• Best Management Practices for Phragmites PDF
• Ontario Phragmites Action (OPA) Program
• Invasive Phragmites Control Centree
• Video: Controlling Invasive Phragmites- Light at the End of the Tunnel (Janice Gilbert, April 2022)
• Video: Controlling invasive phragmites australis (Nature Conservancy of Canada, March 2022)
• Looking for other support? Contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for advice, DNA testing kits, and access to phragmites removal kits including raspberry cane cutters.

A Phragmites Management Area (PMA) is a defined geographic area where organizations and stakeholders work collaboratively to map and control invasive phragmites. PMAs bring together collective experience, skills, and resources to support coordinated and effective phragmites management at a regional scale.

The Rideau Valley Phragmites Management Area (RVPMA) Working Group, established in 2026, will focus on phragmites mapping and management within the geographical boundaries of the Rideau Valley watershed. A PMA specific to the Rideau Valley will create opportunities for local stakeholders to collaborate, share expertise, and leverage resources to address invasive phragmites more effectively across the watershed.

 The main source of spread of phragmites is through contaminated equipment.  Seed and plant fragments stuck in boots, vehicles and machinery from contaminated sites is how phragmites moves between locations. Always check yourself and equipment when working near phragmites stands and consider adopting Clean Equipment Protocols.

North America has its own native subspecies of Phragmites- Phragmites australis subsp. Americanus. Native phragmites is far less common than invasive phragmites and doesn’t grow as tall or aggressively. It rarely forms monocultures and it’s seed heads are far less dense.  See here for more information on identifying invasive vs. native phragmites.