Stands of invasive Phragmites can be found along roads and ditches, as well as in wetlands, beaches, marshes, and similar low-lying, wet habitats. Invasive Phragmites is currently widespread across southern Ontario. There are large stands in Lake St. Clair, Rondeau Provincial Park, Long Point Bay, and Turkey Point Provincial Park. While the boundaries of the plant’s distribution have not been determined, there is evidence that invasive Phragmites is spreading.
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What are the effects of invasive Phragmites?
- Invasive Phragmites grows in dense stands that crowd out
native vegetation, resulting in decreased plant biodiversity.
Generally, invasive Phragmites stands provide poor habitat and food supplies for wildlife, including several species at risk.
- Invasive Phragmites grows very quickly. Areas with stands of invasive Phragmites have lowered water levels because water is transpired at a faster rate than it would be in an area of native vegetation. This can lead to the drying of wetlands and the loss of hydrological functions such as water retention and filtering.
- Stands of invasive Phragmites are composed of a high percentage of dead stems, with a low percentage of live growth. Dead stems are dry and combustible, increasing the risk of fires.
- The stems of an invasive Phragmites stand decompose very slowly. This results in a high proportion of dead stems that slow the release of nutrients back into the ecosystem.
- Invasive Phragmites can negatively affect agriculture, lower property values, cause road safety hazards, and impact recreational activities such as swimming, boating, and angling.
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