The species is particularly prevalent in disturbed or polluted soils found along roadsides, ditches and dredged areas. Distribution Found throughout the temperate regions of North America, common reed is widespread in eastern Virginia and also can be found in some western areas of the state. It is strongly suspected that a non-native, aggressive strain of the species was carried to North America in the early 20th century. Life History Common reed spreads to a new area by sprouting from a rhizome fragment or from seed. New upright stems grow from the rhizome each spring.
Rhizomes spread horizontally in all directions during the growing season.
Flowering begins in late June, and seeds are formed by August. In early autumn, food reserves move from leave and stems to the rhizome system. The leaves die and fall off, with only the dead brown vertical shoots remaining. The accumulation of dead leaves and stems, as well as the pervasive rhizome system, prohibits the growth of desirable plant species. Threats Common reed has become a destructive weed in Virginia, quickly displacing desirable plants species such as wild rice, cattails, and native wetland orchids.