Plant Details

Phragmites australis

Common Reed

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Common names

78 names · 51 languages
EnglishYour language
+4 more namesShow fewer names
Other languages (50)
Dutch
French
  • Phragmite austral[1]
  • Phragmite commun[1]
  • Roseau commun[1]
+1 more nameShow fewer names
  • Roseau à balais[1]
Afrikaans
  • fluitjiesriet[1]
  • Gewone Fluitjiesriet[1]
  • Gewone Sonkwasriet[1]
+6 more namesShow fewer names
  • sonquasriet[1]
  • Spens-van-die-Karoo[1]
  • vaderlandsriet[1]
  • vinkriet[1]
  • vlakkiesriet[1]
  • vleitjiesriet[1]
Arabic
  • القصب الشائع الأوربي[1]
  • قيصوب جنوبي[1]
Armenian
  • Եղեգն սովորական[1]
Belarusian
  • Трыснёг звычайны[1]
Bunun
Catalan
Chinese (Simplified)
+2 more namesShow fewer names
Chinese (Traditional)
Chippewa
  • Abo’djigûn[1]
Croatian
Czech
  • rákos obecný[1]
Danish
Estonian
  • harilik pilliroog[1]
Finnish
  • järviruoko[1]
German
Hebrew
  • קנה מצוי[1]
Herero
Hungarian
  • Közönséges nád[1]
Irish
Italian
  • Canna di palude[1]
Japanese
Kazakh
  • Кәдімгі қамыс[1]
Korean
Latvian
  • Parastā niedre[1]
Lithuanian
  • Paprastoji nendrė[1]
Mayan languages
Mongolian
  • Өмнөдийн шагшуурга[1]
Mono
Nahuatl
Navajo
Norwegian
Polish
  • Trzcina pospolita[1]
Portuguese
Romanian
Russian
  • Тростник обыкновенный[1]
  • Тростник южный[1]
Sengwaketse
Serbian
  • Трска[1]
Simbukushu
  • kataratara[1]
Slovak
  • trsť obyčajná[1]
Slovenian
  • navadni trst[1]
Spanish
Swedish
Thai
  • อ้อเล็ก[1]
Tswana
Turkish
Ukrainian
  • Очерет звичайний[1]
Welsh
  • Corsen cyrs[1]
Zapoteco
Sources & name notes (1)

Names recorded in our plant catalogue and botanical sources, grouped by language. Usage can vary by region.

Numbered references identify names recorded by an external source. Other names are from our plant catalogue.

[1] Phragmites australis — iNaturalist taxon names ↗

Community-curated iNaturalist taxonomy; common-name attestation, not an independent botanical determination.

Source records
  • common reed — results[0].names[1]; taxon id 64237; Phragmites australis.
  • Carrizo — results[0].names[2]; taxon id 64237; Phragmites australis.
  • bi-xilla — results[0].names[3]; taxon id 64237; Phragmites australis.
  • sak-halal — results[0].names[4]; taxon id 64237; Phragmites australis.
  • cane grass — results[0].names[6]; taxon id 64237; Phragmites australis.
  • 蘆葦 — results[0].names[7]; taxon id 64237; Phragmites australis.
  • Caniço — results[0].names[8]; taxon id 64237; Phragmites australis.
  • Schilfrohr — results[0].names[9]; taxon id 64237; Phragmites australis.
  • Schilf — results[0].names[10]; taxon id 64237; Phragmites australis.
  • järviruoko — results[0].names[11]; taxon id 64237; Phragmites australis.
  • ヨシ — results[0].names[12]; taxon id 64237; Phragmites australis.
  • アシ — results[0].names[13]; taxon id 64237; Phragmites australis.
  • קנה מצוי — results[0].names[14]; taxon id 64237; Phragmites australis.
  • roseau commun — results[0].names[15]; taxon id 64237; Phragmites australis.
  • Vass — results[0].names[16]; taxon id 64237; Phragmites australis.
  • ācatl — results[0].names[17]; taxon id 64237; Phragmites australis.
  • phrag — results[0].names[18]; taxon id 64237; Phragmites australis.
  • phragmites — results[0].names[19]; taxon id 64237; Phragmites australis.
  • Riet — results[0].names[20]; taxon id 64237; Phragmites australis.
  • rákos obecný — results[0].names[21]; taxon id 64237; Phragmites australis.
  • Tagrør — results[0].names[22]; taxon id 64237; Phragmites australis.
  • harilik pilliroog — results[0].names[23]; taxon id 64237; Phragmites australis.
  • 갈대 — results[0].names[24]; taxon id 64237; Phragmites australis.
  • takrør — results[0].names[25]; taxon id 64237; Phragmites australis.
  • Paprastoji nendrė — results[0].names[26]; taxon id 64237; Phragmites australis.
  • Trzcina pospolita — results[0].names[27]; taxon id 64237; Phragmites australis.
  • Canna di palude — results[0].names[28]; taxon id 64237; Phragmites australis.
  • قيصوب جنوبي — results[0].names[29]; taxon id 64237; Phragmites australis.
  • leThaka — results[0].names[30]; taxon id 64237; Phragmites australis.
  • 芦苇 — results[0].names[31]; taxon id 64237; Phragmites australis.
  • Gewone Fluitjiesriet — results[0].names[32]; taxon id 64237; Phragmites australis.
  • trsť obyčajná — results[0].names[33]; taxon id 64237; Phragmites australis.
  • Тростник обыкновенный — results[0].names[34]; taxon id 64237; Phragmites australis.
  • Тростник южный — results[0].names[35]; taxon id 64237; Phragmites australis.
  • hutmuaz — results[0].names[36]; taxon id 64237; Phragmites australis.
  • canyís — results[0].names[37]; taxon id 64237; Phragmites australis.
  • Очерет звичайний — results[0].names[38]; taxon id 64237; Phragmites australis.
  • Өмнөдийн шагшуурга — results[0].names[39]; taxon id 64237; Phragmites australis.
  • Stuf — results[0].names[40]; taxon id 64237; Phragmites australis.
  • letlhaka — results[0].names[41]; taxon id 64237; Phragmites australis.
  • lotlhaka — results[0].names[42]; taxon id 64237; Phragmites australis.
  • อ้อเล็ก — results[0].names[43]; taxon id 64237; Phragmites australis.
  • Трыснёг звычайны — results[0].names[44]; taxon id 64237; Phragmites australis.
  • Trska — results[0].names[45]; taxon id 64237; Phragmites australis.
  • Ševar — results[0].names[46]; taxon id 64237; Phragmites australis.
  • fluitjiesriet — results[0].names[47]; taxon id 64237; Phragmites australis.
  • sonquasriet — results[0].names[48]; taxon id 64237; Phragmites australis.
  • Spens-van-die-Karoo — results[0].names[49]; taxon id 64237; Phragmites australis.
  • vaderlandsriet — results[0].names[50]; taxon id 64237; Phragmites australis.
  • vinkriet — results[0].names[51]; taxon id 64237; Phragmites australis.
  • vlakkiesriet — results[0].names[52]; taxon id 64237; Phragmites australis.
  • vleitjiesriet — results[0].names[53]; taxon id 64237; Phragmites australis.
  • Carrizo — results[0].names[54]; taxon id 64237; Phragmites australis.
  • Gewone Sonkwasriet — results[0].names[55]; taxon id 64237; Phragmites australis.
  • navadni trst — results[0].names[56]; taxon id 64237; Phragmites australis.
  • Եղեգն սովորական — results[0].names[57]; taxon id 64237; Phragmites australis.
  • Lók'aa' — results[0].names[58]; taxon id 64237; Phragmites australis.
  • Közönséges nád — results[0].names[59]; taxon id 64237; Phragmites australis.
  • القصب الشائع الأوربي — results[0].names[60]; taxon id 64237; Phragmites australis.
  • roseau cane — results[0].names[61]; taxon id 64237; Phragmites australis.
  • Parastā niedre — results[0].names[62]; taxon id 64237; Phragmites australis.
  • 蒹葭 — results[0].names[63]; taxon id 64237; Phragmites australis.
  • Giolcach — results[0].names[64]; taxon id 64237; Phragmites australis.
  • Phragmite austral — results[0].names[65]; taxon id 64237; Phragmites australis.
  • Roseau à balais — results[0].names[66]; taxon id 64237; Phragmites australis.
  • Phragmite commun — results[0].names[67]; taxon id 64237; Phragmites australis.
  • 普通芦苇 — results[0].names[68]; taxon id 64237; Phragmites australis.
  • 芦 — results[0].names[69]; taxon id 64237; Phragmites australis.
  • 苇 — results[0].names[70]; taxon id 64237; Phragmites australis.
  • 蒹葭 — results[0].names[71]; taxon id 64237; Phragmites australis.
  • Abo’djigûn — results[0].names[72]; taxon id 64237; Phragmites australis.
  • Кәдімгі қамыс — results[0].names[73]; taxon id 64237; Phragmites australis.
  • Corsen cyrs — results[0].names[74]; taxon id 64237; Phragmites australis.
  • kataratara — results[0].names[75]; taxon id 64237; Phragmites australis.
  • haubü — results[0].names[76]; taxon id 64237; Phragmites australis.
  • otuu — results[0].names[77]; taxon id 64237; Phragmites australis.
  • Трска — results[0].names[78]; taxon id 64237; Phragmites australis.
  • Kamış — results[0].names[79]; taxon id 64237; Phragmites australis.

General information

Scientific name: Phragmites australis
Accepted name (Kew): Phragmites australis (Cav.) Trin. ex Steud. View name reference ↗

Accepted in the cited Kew taxonomic treatment.

Sources [1] [2]
Botanical family: Poaceae

Kew's family placement for the genus Phragmites (WCVP v16).

Sources [1]
Also known as: Common Reed
Images: Google Images

Plant characteristics

Layer: Aquatic
Catalogue size class: Small
Height: 3.60 m
Spread: 3.00 m
Growth rate: Fast
Sources [3]
Foliage: None
Growth habit: Erect, Spreading

Whole-plant habit and form as described by NC State.

Sources [3]
Life cycle: Perennial
Sources [3]

Growing conditions

USDA hardiness: 4-10
Soil moisture:
Frequent Standing Water, Moist, Occasionally Wet

Moisture and drainage conditions listed by NC State.

Sources [3]
Soil:
Clay, High Organic Matter, Sand
Sources [3]
pH:
Acidic Neutral Alkaline
Light:
Full sun
Sources [3]

Uses

Edible parts:
Root, Stem, Seed, Sweetener, Leaves
Edibility rating:
(5)
Medicinal rating:
(2)
Functions:
Basketry, Biomass production, Insulation, Fibre, Paper, Carbon farming

Description

During the growth process, the root is best consumed raw or cooked, as it has a pleasant taste and texture. The root can be dried, ground, and used to make porridge. Young shoots can also be eaten raw or cooked - they are most delicious before they form leaves. Additionally, the partially unfolded leaves can be used as a vegetable, or dried and processed into powder and mixed with grain flour. The stems of the plant contain proteins, fats, carbohydrates, fiber, and minerals. The seeds can be eaten raw, cooked, or ground into flour. They are nutritious but small and difficult to separate from the hull. The stems yield a sugary substance that can be extracted by boiling them and thickening the water. This sugar has a sweet, licorice-like flavor and can be eaten both raw and cooked. The gum that comes from the stems can be rolled into small candies and eaten, and the powder from dried stems can be used to make marshmallows.

Harvest

Harvest starts: 01/12
Harvest ends: 28/02

Sources and references

References for the information marked with source numbers on this page.

Sources checked
  1. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew World Checklist of Vascular Plants, version 16, extracted 4 June 2026
    Supports: Botanical familyTaxonomy
    Relevant sections
    • Botanical family: WCVP v16, wcvp_names.csv row 1254380; name ID 433918; Phragmites Adans.. Family column.
    • Taxonomy: WCVP v16, wcvp_names.csv row 1254383; name ID 433921; Phragmites australis (Cav.) Trin. ex Steud..

    Source checked on .

    Source data licence: CC BY 3.0.

  2. Catalogue of Life Catalogue of Life 2026-08-20 — Phragmites australis

    Taxonomic data from WCVP, version 16.0, reproduced in Catalogue of Life 2026-08-20. This shares the Kew WCVP evidence base cited on this page.

    Supports: Taxonomy
    Relevant sections
    • Taxonomy: COL 2026-08-20, NameUsage.tsv line 922361, ID 4GTZX: Phragmites australis (Cav.) Trin. ex Steud. (accepted).

    Source checked on .

  3. NC State Extension, North Carolina State University Phragmites australis — Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox
    Supports: Growth rateGrowth habitLife cycleLightSoil moistureSoil texture
    Relevant sections
    • Growth rate: Growth Rate
    • Growth habit: Habit/Form
    • Life cycle: Life Cycle
    • Light: Light
    • Soil moisture: Soil Drainage
    • Soil texture: Soil Texture

    Source checked on .