Phragmites are allelopathic, which means that they release toxins from their roots that impede the growth of other plants. callback: callback In our area there are two species of Phragmites; northeast native and invasive both of which exhibit nuisance properties. For large areas with dense stands of invasive Phragmites, prescribed burning used after herbicide treatment can provide additional control and ecological benefits over mechanical removal. “Is that the right approach to take, or should we be doing something to reduce our carbon footprint?”. [Accessed Sep 10, 2014]. And the plant only stores carbon permanently when it decomposes into peat, and the peat is left alone. But where the invader has already won, or has overtaken a mudflat or brownfield, some think it may best be left alone. Saltonstall, K. 2002. And here’s a cut from her. I know people would hate hearing me say that. His study is one of the more recent to look at the differences in carbon storage between native and invasive coastal species. So phragmites can take carbon out of the atmosphere. Phragmites probably came to the United States via natural migration. It is able to adjust its growing based on environmental conditions and can even survive stagnant, oxygen poor or salty conditions. And it may mean opening our minds to some of our old enemies. The Michigan Department of Environmental Quality recommends controlling the invasive Phragmites by using an integrated pest management approach which includes an initial herbicide treatment followed by mechanical removal (e.g., cutting, mowing) and annual maintenance. Phragmites is usually an indicator of a wetland ecosystem that is out of balance. Programs and Services. How does Phragmites spread? Invades moist habitats including lakeshores, river banks and roadways. MSU is an affirmative-action, equal-opportunity employer, committed to achieving excellence through a diverse workforce and inclusive culture that encourages all people to reach their full potential. Why is Phragmites a problem? Mary Bohling, Michigan State University - Invasive non-native Phragmites australis is a perennial wetland plant that has quickly spread through Michigan marshes and wetland areas, robbing the fish, plants and wildlife of nutrients and space; blocking access to the water for swimming, fishing and other recreation endeavors; spoiling shoreline … The GLRI Phragmites Decision Support Tool (DST) Mapper is intended to provide resource managers with information to strategically develop effective Phragmites control and invasion prevention programs in the Great Lakes coastal zone (10 km inland from the shoreline). “So it’s become pretty interesting to understand how much carbon is stored in the biosphere, and in particular types of habitats.”. Invasive Phragmites is an aggressive plant that spreads quickly and out-competes native species for water and nutrients. Don’t assume that the whole family can get a flu vaccine at the local pharmacy. The Mapper consists of three integrated components: A distribution map of large (> 0.2 ha) stands of existing Phragmites. But reducing our carbon footprint quickly enough to avoid the worst consequences of climate change won’t be easy. Learn about lakes online with MSU Extension. 2.5 Why is Phragmites a problem?.....4 3 Who is responsible for Phragmites and Invasive Species Management ... Phragmites) is a perennial grass native to Eurasia that is now spreading rapidly throughout Ontario (OFAH, 2015). Integrated Taxonomic Information System. It can spread through windblown seeds, soil transfer, animals or extensive over/under ground stems and rhizomes that will often re-sprout when broken. Taxonomy. BARBARA MORAN: Exactly. To contact an expert in your area, visit https://extension.msu.edu/experts, or call 888-MSUE4MI (888-678-3464). } The flowers grow as dense branched clusters on the end of each stem that are open and feathery at maturity. Invasive Phragmites australis is changing many Michigan wetlands—and not for the better. Invasive species can also turn an enjoyable stroll through the fields, woods, or wetlands while hunting into an uncomfortable trip through dense tangles of invasive species that are difficult or nearly impossible to push through and limit hunting opportunities. Solutions to invasive Phragmites problems. event : event, He grabs a Phragmites root with both hands, leans back and pulls with all his might. Phragmites grows readily in disturbed wetland areas, such as degraded salt and freshwater marshes and swamps, along streams, lakes, ponds and roadside ditches. And while Davidson’s study is not definitive, its findings on Phragmites were surprising, and gave local ecologists food for thought. New York, NY 10004. John Dankosky is a contributing editor with Science Friday, and occasional guest host. For more than 25 years I have observed Phragmites’effects on important habitats and attempted to control it without causing any harm to the habitats I work in, all of which support species and communities of conservation concern in Massachusetts. So there’s been a long campaign to get rid of phragmites across New England and elsewhere in marshy areas. Audubon’s Buchsbaum says he bears the invader no ill will. However, you want to make sure there is no rain in sight for 6 hours after applying for maximum results. LIZ DUFF: When there’s less phragmites, it’s easier, say, for migrating birds to find a place to land. Scientific names: Arundo phragmites; A. australis; P. communis; Ecological threat. What problems does invasive phragmites cause? In Wisconsin, invasive phragmites can be found along shorelines of lakes, exposed lake beds, marshes, streams, swamps, rivers, roadside ditches, heavily disturbed sites and other low, wet areas. Phragmites invades North america, the lower 48 states of the u.s, and Canada. americanus. It can invades lake shores, river banks, & roadways; It can alter hydrology and wildlife habitat; Spreads from root fragments, seeds, cut stems, & above ground runners This guide provided by the US Fish and Wildlife Service … You know like, when they try to kill it, they do stuff like cracking its neck open and dripping poison down with an eyedropper. A major problem with Phragmites is it will continue to expand throughout the marsh until the marsh is a monoculture of Phragmites. The roots, or rhizomes, secrete a chemical that prevents other plants from growing, and they grow so deep they are nearly impossible to pull out. Jeffrey W. Dwyer, Director, MSU Extension, East Lansing, MI 48824. }); But those tall reed-like plants that we think of as quintessentially New England, and a big part of the marsh ecosystem, are actually an invasive species called phragmites. JOHN DANKOSKY: Doing well. Unbelievable height a nuisance around lakes and ponds. Why are people trying to get rid of them? It now threatens Florida. All rights reserved. Phragmites is a genus of four species of large perennial reed grasses found in wetlands throughout temperate and tropical regions of the world. And he found, kind of ironically, that the same stuff that makes phragmites such a tough invader– the fact that it’s really tall, it has deep roots, it grows really close together– all these things actually make it sequester carbon better than the native species. This can lead to greater rates of sediments deposition which can increase the elevation of invaded marshes and affect drainage, leading invaded marshes to slowly become drier, in turn, causing further changes in the remn… Phragmites forms incredibly dense stands and can grow to a height of 15 feet. It competes for things like our golden rod, which is important food for migrating monarch butterflies. The plant, which typically grows about 13 feet high, looms over native marsh plants, blocking out their sunlight. I appreciate it. So these are a couple sort of maybe pluses for this invasive species that people are starting to sort of look at this plant a little differently. It is not clear how it was transported to North America from its native home in Eurasia. And it often just comes back. Robert Buchsbaum walks into a salt marsh on Boston’s North Shore. While it may appear that the plume-topped Phragmites australis is just another pretty face in Michigan’s wetland landscape, this member of the grass family can be bad news for our local marshes. “[It] did a very nice job talking about the balance between having increased carbon storage, but perhaps having slightly lower ecosystem services for other things, such as biodiversity.”. Invasive Phragmites is a perennial grass that has been damaging ecosystems in Ontario for decades. MANAGEMENT TECHNIQUES . })(); Barbara Moran is an environmental editor at WBUR, in Boston, Massachusetts. Davidson is quick to say that his research doesn’t advocate removing native plants in favor of Phragmites. In America, not all phragmites are a problem. And they’re not quite there yet. Phragmites is tough to get rid of, and recent efforts have gotten even more complicated because of climate change. if (!window.mc4wp) { Why might it actually help us combat climate change? For example, the rapid growth and slow decomposition of above-ground biomass leads to large accumulations of organic material over several growing seasons. A major problem with phragmites is that it will continue to expand throughout the wetland. Phragmites is very aggresive and has replaced much of the native reed. “[Carbon storage] is one factor that should be considered among many when managers are trying to make decisions about how to help the system function.”. Hi, there, Barbara. Science Friday transcripts are produced on a tight deadline by 3Play Media. Phragmites isn’t going anywhere. window.mc4wp.listeners.push({ Phragmites forms massive monocultures in otherwise biologically diverse natural wetlands. What are they finding? Invasive plants can also increase the risk of flooding and soil erosion leading to cloudy water, lower water quality, and silted spawning beds. Barbara, thanks so much for joining us. According to the Midwest Invasive Plant Network, invasive plants can affect your ability to enjoy natural areas, parks, and campgrounds. These ecotourism activities, support local economies across the Great Lakes basin, providing jobs for local citizens and tax base to support important government services on which many people rely. Phragmites is an ecosystem engineer- a species that can successfully modify the form and function of the habitats in which it is found. Invasive phragmites harms the environment by reducing wildlife habitats, decreasing plant diversity, and altering water levels by trapping sediments. Why? Non-native Phragmites has been described as perhaps the most widely distributed and abundant grass on earth. A study came out of the Smithsonian last fall by a scientist named Ian Davidson. It can grow to be over 15 feet tall and crowds out other plants, creating monotypic dense stands of these invasive plants (often with over 20 stalks per square foot). JOHN DANKOSKY: So what does it do? But it’s sort of public enemy number one as far as invasive species in marshes. JOHN DANKOSKY: So maybe make friends with the enemy over time, the enemy that they’ve been trying to get rid of for all these years? And the questions have been arising for the past couple of years about whether phragmites might– might actually provide some useful, you know, what they call ecosystem services, especially with growing concerns about climate change. It is common in disturbed areas and can tolerate brackish waters, dry conditions and alkaline to acidic conditions. The Eurasian variety has become widespread in the northeast, mid-west, and along the Atlantic coast as far south as Georgia. Rosa multiflora at left, Phragmites australis at right, May 3, 2012. } And as climate change races forward, carbon storage becomes a bigger part of the ecosystem equation. View a summary of techniques below. When Phragmites sheds its lower leaves, or dies, it creates a thick layer of wrack that keeps native plants from germinating. This article was published by Michigan State University Extension. We’re living in this really high CO2. They are a sizable perpetual grass that embody dense sands and congregate most native plants. forms : { In the U.S. phragmites is most abundant along the Atlantic Coast though it is present throughout the entire country and southern Canada. How are you doing, John? Biodiversity is still the most important thing for marshes. Its stalks clog waterways, thwarting fish travel. Phragmites is an enemy that this regional scientist with the Massachusetts Audubon Society knows all too well. “Should we be depending on an invasive species, which causes a degradation to the habitat, to make up for our foibles of emitting too much carbon into the atmosphere?” asks Buchsbaum. But now there’s some questions about whether or not we should just leave those phragmites in place. (function() { BARBARA MORAN: Yeah, this is really interesting. There’s also this other evidence that phragmites, just because it’s so bulky, there’s such biomass, that it can buffer these marshes against sea level rise. is a contributing editor with Science Friday, and occasional guest host. The non-native subspecies was introduced to the east coast of the North America sometime between the late 1700s and the early 1800s, and has gradually expanded its range westward. To have a digest of information delivered straight to your email inbox, visit https://extension.msu.edu/newsletters. Phragmites australis subsp. But Phragmites may offer another advantage in the face of climate change—since it builds up so much, it can buffer marshes against sea level rise and storm surges. 30 Broad Street, Suite 801 window.mc4wp = { Connect with Nature: Sign up for the “Conservation Talk” webinar series. Invasive non-native Phragmites australis is a perennial wetland plant that has quickly spread through Michigan marshes and wetland areas, robbing the fish, plants and wildlife of nutrients and space; blocking access to the water for swimming, fishing and other recreation endeavors; spoiling shoreline views; and posing a fire hazard. Phragmites gives off methane, a potent greenhouse gas. Audubon, the state, the National Park Service and many other groups have active programs to combat it. Phragmites reduces the diversity of plant and wildlife species. It’s funny because it’s actually kind of a pretty plant. Why is it a problem? The native, subspecies americanus, and the invasive non-native introduced form, subspecies australis (sometimes referred to as haplotype M). But there’s also the world we have right now,” he says. “In the mid-Atlantic where they are losing a lot of the marshes really quickly, there [are] discussions about whether or not they should be treating frag because it is one of the few plants that is keeping up with sea level rise,” says Nancy Pau, a biologist at the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge on Plum Island. BARBARA MORAN: Yeah, so it’s really interesting. JOHN DANKOSKY: And now it’s time to check in on the state of science. The phragmites natural habitat is Eurasia, usually in ditches, low standing water, and it can survive in dry land as well. Phragmites, pronounced with a short ӑ, long ī and a long ē, is derived fr… For more information, visit https://extension.msu.edu. JOHN DANKOSKY: Barbara Moran is environmental editor at WBUR in Boston. Phragmites can be an indicator that a wetland ecosystem is out of balance. After applying Rodeo herbicide you should start to see results within 2 to 4 days and within 7 to 10 days your Phragmites problem should disappear. Here with that story now is Barbara Moran, environmental editor at WBUR in Boston. And it’s choking out life in the wetland. The non-native Phragmites australis, or common reed, can rapidly form dense stands of stems which crowd out or shade native vegetation in inland and estuary wetland areas. Around him towers a stand of bushy-topped Phragmites australis, an invasive plant commonly known as the common reed. In our first article we discuss how Phragmites affects waterfront owner property values and related local ecosystems, our second article discusses how the presence of Phragmites increase liabilities of fires and flooding. Phragmites turns rich habitats into monocultures devoid of the diversity needed to support a thriving ecosystem. BARBARA MORAN: Yeah. As the chapter explains, despite the fact that they have been labeled as a weed in the past, Phragmites are not just deadweights taking up space in the salt marsh; moreover, they aren’t “ecologically useless” as they can still serve as proper food for certain organisms and contribute to the creation of a habitat. And when it decomposes into peat, it actually can sequester carbon better. Right now, Phragmites are a big problem. But if nothing else, the phragmites research is helping to raise awareness of the problem. Learn more. Why is Phragmites a Problem? No scientists are advocating for actually planting Phragmites, and Mass. Recognizing the non-native form of Phragmites early in its invasion increases the opportunity for successful eradication dramatically. MSU is an affirmative-action, equal-opportunity employer. “There’s fairly universal agreement that we should try to reduce and prevent invasions as much as we can. JOHN DANKOSKY: So this is why people have been trying to get rid of them for years. World climate change is advancing more quickly than expected. For the authoritative record of Science Friday’s programming, please visit the original aired/published recording. Why is Phragmites a problem? The plant ranges in height from 6-13 feet. Invasive phragmites is a perennial wetland grass introduced from Europe that grows rapidly, forming dense stands that crowd out native vegetation, … “That paper was very interesting,” says Anne Giblin, a senior scientist and interim director of the Ecosystems Center at the Marine Biological Laboratory in Woods Hole. Looking for our services? So it takes a lot of resources to try and kill it. She’s been following this story for us. So there’s definitely disadvantages for having the phragmites around. Monocultures decrease the … A version of this story, by Barbara Moran, originally appeared on WBUR in Boston. But phragmites, also known as common reed, is a large, coarse, perennial grass often found in wetlands. Disturbances or stresses such as pollution, alteration of the natural hydrologic regime, and increased sedimentation favor invasion and continued spread of Phragmites. I know. } “We’re living in a high CO2 world,” says Ian Davidson, lead author on the Smithsonian study. Salt marsh sparrows avoid them. Hikers, cyclists, and horseback riders all enjoy well-maintained trails, and invasive plants can grow over trails to the point that the path cannot be followed or can be difficult to navigate. The plant, which typically grows about 13 feet high, looms over native marsh plants, blocking out their sunlight. Or they try flooding it. MNFI says that early recognition is critical because the plant stores energy underground in its extensive network of rhizomes; the older it is, the harder it is to control. Southern Beaver dam on Gully Rd. Buchsbaum kneels in the mud and begins to dig. This segment is part of the The State Of Science spotlight. Click Contact to get in touch with us. I talked to Liz Duff when I was researching this story. But they’re starting to talk. Phragmites is an enemy that this regional scientist with the Massachusetts Audubon Society knows all too well. This segment is part of The State of Science, a series featuring science stories from public radio stations across the United States. Environmental and economic factors have weakened the prices shrimpers can get at the dock—so some are advertising direct to consumers on Facebook instead. Our team has over 10 years of experience guiding invasive Phragmites control projects throughout Ontario. Invasive Phragmites australis is changing many Michigan wetlands—and not for the better. Katie Feather is an associate producer for Science Friday and the proud mother of two cats, Charleigh and Sadie. Non-native Phragmitescan alter habitats by changing marsh hydrology; decreasing salinity in brackish wetlands; changing local topography; increasi… While scientists have long studied carbon sequestration in forests and farmlands, says Davidson, they’ve more recently started to examine “blue carbon,” which is stored in marine habitats like marshes and mangroves. } Copyright © 2019 Science Friday Initiative. Once it has become established, removal by hand is nearly impossible. He also works with public radio collaboratives, and hosts “Steady Habits”—a podcast the digital news service, The Connecticut Mirror. She’s been studying salt marshes for Mass Audubon for more than two decades. Invasive Species - (Phragmites australis) Restricted in Michigan Invasive phragmites (also known as common reed) is a warm-season perennial grass with a rigid hollow stem and leaves that are flat, smooth, and green to grayish-green. November 22, 2013. In fact, the presence of … The European species of phragmites is extremely invasive. Monocultures decrease the overall health of wetlands by … Back on the marsh, Mass. It can quickly become established with extensive rhizomes taking over underground. The 4-H Name and Emblem have special protections from Congress, protected by code 18 USC 707. And we’re really going to have to start looking at things in a different way as we go forward maybe. Or, as some call it: the all-too-common reed. This information is for educational purposes only. Science Friday® is produced by the Science Friday Initiative, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. australis is causing serious problems for many other North American hydrophyte wetland plants, including the native Phragmites australis subsp. I mean, everybody was very quick to say, well, don’t go out and plant phragmites. Nothing. About. There is a native species that does not grow as tall or as invasively as the European variety. Created by Bluecadet. So I should say it’s also phragmites is really, really hard to kill. We’re not there yet. Phragmites is widely distributed across the world but, the origin of the species is unclear. And salt marshes are a really important part of that New England ecosystem. 2. “So those discussions are happening at kind of localized levels.”. But this stubborn bully of a plant might have a shot at redemption. Phragmites australis. “It’s very resilient,” says Buchsbaum. “You need to keep after it, and you’re going to be doing it forever.”. Although scattered clumps of phragmites provides cover for small mammals and birds, it usually forms large, dense stands that provide little value for wildlife. In this article we will take a look at the invasive plants and Phragmites plant habits; what makes it invasive and why that is a problem in Michigan. Fidelity to the original aired/published audio or video file might vary, and text might be updated or amended in the future. Where possible, flooding for extensive periods during the growing season can also be an effective method of control. That’s what Buchsbaum is kneeling in the mud at Rough Meadows Wildlife Sanctuary to demonstrate. And the phragmites is a really tough invader that can come and crowd out the native marsh species. Phragmites is most commonly found in freshwater wetlands but it readily invades salt marshes that have Need to learn more about Phragmites management? A recent study from the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center found that the very traits that make Phragmites a tough invader—larger plants, deeper roots, higher density—enable it to store more carbon in marshy peat. Thank you for helping us continue making science fun for everyone. Giblin says the tradeoffs are complicated. on: function (event, callback) { According to the Michigan Natural Features Inventory (MNFI), there are two subspecies of Phragmites australis present in Michigan. Cryptic invasion by a non-native genotype of the common reed, Phragmites australis, into North America.Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences 99(4):2445-2449. It’s easier for our native grasses to thrive. He also works with public radio collaboratives, and hosts “Steady Habits”—a podcast the digital news service, The Connecticut Mirror. Michigan State University Extension programs and materials are open to all without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status or veteran status. Funny because it ’ s also phragmites is tough to get rid of phragmites ; native... We ’ re going to have to start looking at things in a different as... 3Play Media is out of the atmosphere there are two species of phragmites australis changing... Our native grasses to thrive is left alone for years of experience guiding invasive phragmites is very and... 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Is an ecosystem engineer- a species that can successfully modify the form and function of the u.s, hosts. Davidson, lead author on the end of each stem that are and. University Extension by Michigan State University - November 22, 2013 seeds, soil transfer, or. Usually in ditches, low standing water, and the peat is left alone public enemy one! In marshes to enjoy natural areas, parks, and recent efforts have gotten even more complicated of. This story, by Barbara Moran, environmental editor at WBUR in Boston is kneeling in the mud Rough. Article was published by Michigan State University Extension should say it ’ s also phragmites a! Invasively as the European variety this story for us consists of three integrated components: a distribution map large. Biomass leads to large accumulations of organic material over several growing seasons scientists. An ecosystem engineer- a species that can come and crowd out the native marsh plants, blocking out sunlight. 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