A fast growing, invasive tall grass, phragmites compete with native marsh grass and other wetland species for soil nutrients. Typically, the phragmites survive at the expense of native plants. Unlike native plant species, phragmites provide little benefit in the way of food or shelter for local aquatic wildlife. Phragmites rapidly grow roots once a stalk becomes detached from the main plant. Rhizomes can spread 20 to 30 feet annually, meaning one plant has the potential to become a one-acre stand in a very short time.
Tide is another factor aiding the spread of phragmites.
Although disturbed areas are most at-risk, phragmites can establish virtually anywhere that soil is available. According to experts, the application of an approved herbicide, such as Rodeo, in early fall can eliminate stands of the invasive plant. Once the herbicide has killed the plant growth, the area must be burned to annihilate any detritus or rhizomes that might otherwise survive and reestablish phragmite growth at the expense of native plants. As a precautionary measure, it is recommended that this procedure be repeated the following year. What resulted is a steering committee set up to resolve this issue for good.