INVASIVE
phragmites
A Guide to the
Control and Management
of
invasive
phragmites
Partial funding for this program is supported by
a Cooperative Agreement from the U.S.
Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife
Service. Mention of trade names or commercial
products does not constitute their endorsement
by the U.S. Government.
understanding phragmites control methods recommended management strategies further information
Table of Content
Introduction 1
Introduction
An aggressive, nonnative variety of phragmites (Phragmites australis),
also known as common reed, is threatening the ecological health
of Michigan wetlands and coastal shorelines.
The Problem
Once phragmites invades,
it causes adverse ecological,
economic and social Understanding
impacts including:
* Threats to coastal and interior
wetlands, which are Michigan’s
Phragmites
most biologically diverse and
productive ecosystems.
To better control and manage phragmites it is helpful to understand
the physical characteristics of the plant, as well as how and when
* Domination of native vegetation, it reproduces and spreads.
displacing desirable native plant
species such as sedges, rushes and In Michigan, phragmites is found grow- Phragmites continues to expand within
cattails, and reduction of plant ing in coastal and interior marshes, Michigan, in part because it reproduces
diversity. bogs, fens, swamps, lake margins, road- through wind dispersal of seeds and vig-
* Reduction of wildlife habitat side ditches and other low wet areas. orous vegetative reproduction through
diversity resulting in loss of Typically it prefers the wetland-upland rhizomes. Rhizomes broken by natural
food and shelter. interface, though it can be found in dry actions, such as waves, or man-made
* Alteration of water regime, uplands. actions, such as dredging or disking,
causing “drying” of marsh soils readily reroot in new locations. Rapid
through increased evaporation expansion also is facilitated by other dis-
and trapping of sediments. turbances that give phragmites a compet-
itive edge, such as discharge of nutrients,
* Reduction of property values
wetland drainage, fire and road salt.
due to use impairment.
* Restriction of shoreline views
due to tall, dense stands.
* Reduction of access for swimming,
fishing and hunting.
* Creation of potentially serious fire on page 2: Tall, dense stand of phragmites restricting views and access to water,
hazard to structures due to dry and creating potential fire danger. J. Schafer
biomass during the dormant season.
Illustration of the nonnative
phragmites plant
[USDA NRCS plants database]
rhizome
horizontal, underground stem;
sends out roots and shoots from its nodes
Jan
d c Feb
De
he
dS
See
es &
Ma
No
Food to R hizom
Germ
ination
Apr
Oct
y
Sep
Ma
Fl
Au
Jun
ow
ri g
e
ng h t
&S Jul row
eed G
Set et ative
Veg
Primar y
understanding phragmites control methods recommended management strategies further information
Life Cycle
Phragmites reproduces through rhizomes, horizontal stems growing
under the ground.
Rhizomes generate roots and stalks at Mature plants produce as many as 2,000
regularly spaced nodes. An individual seeds annually. Germination occurs in
plant can multiply into a large stand the spring, generally on exposed moist
through its rhizomes. Rhizomes may soils. Although seed viability is consid-
exceed 60 feet in length, grow more than ered low and germination is a slower
6 feet per year and readily grow into new process than spreading by rhizome frag-
plants when fragmented. ments, new stands of phragmites will
develop from seed. Water depths greater
In addition to facilitating reproduction,
than 2 inches typically prevent germina-
phragmites rhizomes can penetrate the soil
tion of seeds.
to a depth of more than 6 feet. This allows
the plant to reach low-lying groundwater Effective control of phragmites hinges
and tolerate a variety of conditions, upon attacking the right portion of the
including dry upland sites and wetlands plant at the proper times within the life
with water depths exceeding 2 feet. cycle to slow or stop current and future
growth.
left:
Approximate timing of the life cycle stages
of phragmites throughout the year.
Photos: D. Avers.
understanding phragmites control methods recommended management strategies further information
Control Methods
Control programs can result in significant reduction of phragmites,
This section will provide an overview but this requires commitment to an integrated approach and a long-
term management strategy.
of four broad control methods and
Few techniques are fully effective when The use of herbicide treatment(s)
recommendations based on field used alone, and reinvasion by phrag- (initial and spot treatments) is recom-
mites is likely when the management mended as the primary control method
experience. Prior to implementation
strategy is not maintained. The meth- and the first step toward effective con-
of any control methods, safety factors ods to be used for a particular site will trol. After the initial herbicide treat-
depend upon existing conditions and ment, one or more follow-up methods
and permit requirements must be taken management goals. Effective control of at each site will be required, such as:
phragmites, particularly larger well- prescribed fire, mechanical treatment,
into consideration. Many control
established stands, is likely to require or water level management. These fol-
actions require permits from local, multiple treatments using a combina- low-up methods will not only help pro-
tion of methods. vide multiple stresses on the plants, but
state and/or federal agencies. also will prepare the site for subsequent
years’ herbicide treatments. Creating
stresses through a regime of multiple
treatments on the plants is the most
effective way to control phragmites.
Herbicides
Two broad-spectrum herbicides, glyphosate and imazapyr, are
commercially available and known to control phragmites effectively
when used properly.
These chemicals are nonselective and will Improper use of the terrestrial formula-
enter any plant species through contact tions in an aquatic habitat may harm fish
with the leaves or stems. Therefore, and macroinvertebrates and is a violation
impacts on other native plants may occur of federal and state laws.
if the product is applied incorrectly.
left: Spot treating phragmites with a Glyphosate and imazapyr can be used
Both herbicides are available in separate
backpack sprayer. L. Esman individually or combined to control
formulas for application either on
phragmites (Table 1). While the cost per
aquatic (wet) or terrestrial (dry) sites.
below: Table 1.
Herbicide Application Information
Apply to actively growing green Apply after plants are in full Apply after plants are in full
foliage after full leaf elongation bloom in late summer up to the bloom in late summer up to the
Treatment Timing and up to first killing frost (i.e., first killing frost (i.e., late first killing frost (i.e., late August
June up to first killing frost) August up to first killing frost) up to first killing frost)
High Medium
High
Effectiveness Allows treatment earlier in the Good results where water level
Recommended for most sites
growing season management is available
Table 2. Herbicide Application Methods
Phragmites
Method Stand Site Conditions Treatment Technique Precautions
Characteristics
Use on low-wind days to Spray area from helicopter Large scale application may
Dense stands
Aerial prevent drift outside the booms using proper droplet affect adjacent plant commu-
greater than
Application treatment area. Use care- size, boom length and nozzle nities. Using a skilled pilot is
5 acres
fully to avoid native plants. type. imperative.
understanding phragmites control methods recommended management strategies further information
-Herbicides-
gallon of imazapyr can be significantly applied to wet the leaves and, when pres-
higher than glyphosate, results from ent, the flower plumes of the target
recent studies suggest that imazapyr used plants. Excessive application, such that
alone or in combination with glyphosate the chemicals are dripping off the plants,
can control phragmites for a longer should be avoided because it is more
period of time (Getsinger et al., 2007). costly, can cause increased injury to
In most cases, herbicides should be used desirable nontarget species and often
in conjunction with burning or mechan- decreases the success of control. Visual
ical methods, and reapplied in subse- effects, such as browning or withering of
quent years to spot-treat individual the plants, may not occur for several
plants or patches of plants that were not weeks. If the herbicide is applied close to
eliminated completely in the first appli- the first killing frost, symptoms may not
cation. have time to appear before the plant dies
back for the year. In this case, control
Numerous methods may be used to apply
effectiveness may not be determined
these herbicides depending on the size of
Consult the Michigan Department of until the following growing season.
the phragmites stand and existing site
Environmental Quality (MDEQ) conditions, as identified in Table 2. When using herbicides, always read and
Application rates for low-volume spot follow directions on the manufacturer’s
website at http://www.michigan. treatment methods, such as injecting label. These directions must be followed
stems, hand swiping, wicks and backpack in order to achieve legal, safe and effec-
gov/deqinlandlakes or contact the spraying, are calculated by percent of tive treatment of phragmites. Only
MDEQ Environmental Assistance solution (e.g., 2 ounces of herbicide in 1 trained individuals should apply herbi-
gallon of water yields a 1.5-percent solu- cides. Pesticide use certification, which
Center (EAC) at 1-800-662-9278 tion). Application rates for high-volume can be obtained in Michigan through the
treatment methods, such as boom Department of Agriculture, is required
for more information about Aquatic sprayers, hand gun and aerial applica- prior to the use of imazapyr and recom-
Nuisance Control Permits. Contact tions, are calculated on a per-acre rate. mended prior to the use of glyphosate.
Permits are required in Michigan when
To ensure the herbicide is taken up by
local municipal offices for information applying herbicide to phragmites in
the plants, a state-approved nonionic
standing water or below the ordinary
on city or township requirements. surfactant must be used in conjunction
high-water mark of the Great Lakes and
with the herbicide(s) at the rate recom-
Lake St. Clair.
mended on the label. Spray should be
understanding phragmites control methods recommended management strategies further information
-Mechanical Treatment-
to reach the soil surface. This ensures minimize impact on small animals and
that the native seed bank will have an native plants. Mechanical treatments are
advantage during the subsequent grow- not intended to create the appearance of
ing season. Use of a flail-type mower can a manicured lawn, but to allow reestab-
eliminate the need for thatch removal, lishment of native wetland vegetation.
since it will destroy most plant parts ade- Cutting/mowing should occur only in
quately. those areas where phragmites is present.
Under limited circumstances, for exam- Mechanical methods must be used care-
ple, when isolated plants or low density fully to avoid stimulating growth of
stands of phragmites exist and herbicide phragmites. Mowing alone leaves the
treatment is not feasible, mechanical plants’ rhizomes behind. Regeneration
treatments alone may be used to reduce from those rhizomes may cause an
phragmites and encourage native plants. increase in stand density. Improper use
In these situations, cutting individual of mechanical methods, such as cutting
plants or mowing small areas of phrag- during the wrong time of year, cutting
mites once during late summer/fall too frequently, too short, or where native
(September to first killing frost) appears plants are present, can disrupt wildlife
to have the best results because it elimi- and destroy existing native plants. Disking
nates the surface biomass of the plant soil is not recommended as a mechanical
when it is using most of its energy for control method for phragmites, since it
flower and seed production. Cutting/ results in the spread of rhizomes and the
mowing in late summer also eliminates production of new plants. Equipment
potential disruption to the breeding and used to manage phragmites must be
nesting seasons for most birds. If a cleaned properly of all debris before it is
left: Using a weed whip to mechanically
mower is used instead of handheld tools, removed from the treatment site to pre-
treat a small stand of phragmites;
then the mower deck should be set to a vent the unintended spread of seeds or
Nayanquing Point State Wildlife Area, MI.
mowing height greater than 4 inches to rhizomes to other areas.
D. Avers
understanding phragmites control methods recommended management strategies further information
Recommended
Management Strategies
Because of the physiology of phragmites, well-established stands
are difficult to control with only one herbicide treatment.
An initial herbicide treatment stresses Before control methods are implement-
the plants, making them particularly ed, it is important to evaluate the site
vulnerable to subsequent treatments. properly to determine the density of
Creating multiple stresses on the plants phragmites within the overall stand of
is the most effective way to control plants, the wetness of the site and the size
phragmites. Herbicide treatment in con- of the area infested by phragmites. Using
junction with prescribed fire, mechani- this information and recognizing that
cal treatment or flooding have proven to control of phragmites likely will require a
be effective in controlling phragmites long-term commitment, a comprehen-
and allowing native plants to reestablish. sive management plan can be formulated
and implemented.
The following three management strategies have been developed based on past efforts
to control phragmites. The three strategies provide information and steps in control-
ling phragmites under certain conditions. These strategies basically follow one of the
three general approaches in table 3. Together these strategies and approaches to man-
aging phragmites can be used to develop more comprehensive management plans.
Management Strategy
for large, dense stands of
phragmites on a wet or dry site
Management Strategy
for large, dense stands of
phragmites in impoundments
1. Treat phragmites stands with herbicide in late summer (late August and
Note: September), followed immediately by flooding to a minimum water depth of
For small, scattered stands of phrag- 6 inches. (It is not necessary to dewater the site prior to herbicide application.)
mites within an impoundment, steps 2. Allow the site to remain flooded until the next summer, and then dewater in late July.
1-5 may not all be necessary. In these 3. Keep the site as dry as possible until mid-August, at which time use prescribed fire.
cases, treat with herbicide and maintain 4. Immediately following the burn, flood the site to a minimum water depth of 6
inches and maintain this water depth for at least one year.
water levels throughout the next grow-
If prescribed fire is not feasible for a site, a frozen condition to remove the dead
it is recommended that the site be plants that have persisted from the
mechanically treated during the winter in herbicide treatment.
understanding phragmites control methods recommended management strategies further information
Management Strategy
for low-density stands of
phragmites on a wet or dry site
Long-Term
Management and
Monitoring
Management of a site to control phragmites does not end with the
successful implementation of one or more of the control methods
described above, but rather begins with these initial steps.
Because of the pervasiveness of this Annual maintenance is essential to the
species and its ability to aggressively recol- success of any habitat restoration plan
onize through seed or rhizomes, long- and should focus on selectively removing
term management and monitoring are pioneer colonies of phragmites. Once
necessary. areas of phragmites have been controlled
(e.g., greater than 85-percent reduc-
The control methods described above are
tion), it is recommended that an annual
likely to be successful in controlling
maintenance control program be imple-
phragmites for one to two years without
mented. Successful long-term manage-
additional action. However, phragmites
ment plans should incorporate one or
typically begins to recover three years after
more of the control methods, including
treatment and will become reestablished if
spot treatment with herbicide, mowing
follow-up management is not imple-
during the recommended time and/or
mented. After removal from a site, phrag-
use of prescribed fire. For example,
mites will continue to recolonize from
annual spot treatments of pioneer
remnant and neighboring populations
colonies of phragmites with herbicides
and the existing seed bank in the soil.
left: Restoration site in year three of a can provide up to 100-percent control
phragmites control plan, Bay City State of phragmites and discourage its spread,
Recreation Area, MI. Note dead stands while enhancing the recovery and growth
of phragmites and native vegetation that of native plants.
has reestablished. B. Avers
understanding phragmites control methods recommended management strategies further information
A Call to Action
Whether the goals are to restore native plant communities and
wildlife habitat or improve a lakeside view and recreational
opportunities, the charge is the same—to control phragmites in
coastal and interior wetlands of Michigan.
Many species—and people—benefit from wetlands: (top to bottom) recreational bird watcher;
black tern, J. Schafer; fox snake, J. Schafer; king rail, endangered, USFWS.
far left (page 32): Mallard ducklings, Al & Elaine Wilson
understanding phragmites control methods recommended management strategies further information
List of Authors
The following authors provided information for this guidebook:
Tracy Collin Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ), Land and Water Management Division
Laura Esman MDEQ, Water Bureau
Emily Finnell MDEQ, Office of the Great Lakes
Amy Lounds MDEQ, Land and Water Management Division
Dr. Kurt Getsinger U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center
Contact Information
For technical assistance regarding phragmites control
or additional information:
Michigan Department of Environmental Quality
Water Bureau, Aquatic Nuisance Control
P.O. Box 30273
Lansing, MI 48909
517-241-7734
www.michigan.gov/deqinlandlakes
email: deq-lwm-anc@michigan.gov
Reference Information
More information on phragmites control can also be found
in the following:
Getsinger, K.D., L.S. Nelson, L.A.M. Glomski, E. Kafcas, J. Schafer,
S. Kogge and M. Nurse. 2007.
Control of Phragmites in a Michigan Great Lakes Marsh—Final Report—Draft,
U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center, Vicksburg, MS,
120 pp.
Acknowledgements
The Following Organizations Contributed
to the Development of this Guidebook
Michigan Department of Natural Resources (MDNR), Wildlife Division
MDNR, Parks and Recreation Division
Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ), Water Bureau
MDEQ, Land and Water Management Division
MDEQ, Office of the Great Lakes
Ducks Unlimited, Inc.
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Michigan Private Lands Office
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Michigan Department of Transportation
Aquatic Ecosystem Restoration Foundation