Phragmites australis (introduced haplotype)

There is a native Phragmites (recently renamed P. americanus) which is more restrained (thinner stands & state rarity).  But most Phragmites seen is the invasive European genotype. The native and European species can hydridize. Common reed grows up to 15' tall in dense mats in or near shallow water.  This species blocks sunlight for aquatic plants, alters wetland communities and displaces native wetland species.