Common reed

Forming yellow-brown beds that grow along our waterways, the common reed is an important habitat for birds, voles and insects.

A thick bed of tall grown reeds with feathery flowers at the top.

The common reed is native to the UK but considered an invasive species in North America.

Common reed facts

Scientific name: Phragmites australis

Family: Poaceae

Origin: Native

Type: Perennial

Common reeds and our canals

An unmistakeably tall plant, common reeds form extensive reedbeds along the edges of our canals and rivers. This perennial is from the grass family and provides habitats for wildlife species above and below the water, while some birds – like the rare bittern, marsh harrier and bearded tit – nest among its stems and leaves.

Reedbeds are also natural biological filters that strain surface run-off water, keeping our canals and rivers clean. When left alone, the reeds will become scrubland overtime.

Our teams have been planting floating reedbeds along our canals to provide much-needed habitats for wildlife.

Creating floating homes for wildlife
We’re installing large stretches of floating ecosystems along our canals and rivers to help halt and reverse the UK’s biodiversity crisis
Creating floating homes for wildlife
We’re installing large stretches of floating ecosystems along our canals and rivers to help halt and reverse the UK’s biodiversity crisis

What do common reeds look like?

Growing tall with hollow, golden stems, the common reed is a distinctive plant on the edges of the towpath. Reedbeds are supported by a system of creeping rhizomes. These underground stems provide habitat for millions of microorganisms, which help purify the water by eating algae, absorbing carbon and digesting excess nutrients.

They can grow up to four metres, although they’re usually about two metres. At the top, they have thin, feathery flowers that start purple and fade brown. The leaves are flat and grass-like, tapering into a point.

Can you eat common reeds?

You can forage and eat the entire plant, raw or cooked. You can boil young stems or make flour from older plants. Common reeds have also historically been used in roof thatching and as a natural water filter.

Where to find common reeds

Common reed is widespread, growing along most of the UK’s waterways. It prefers deep and fertile soil in damp areas and wetlands. You’ll find it at the edges of our canals, rivers and reservoirs.