Invasive phragmites (Phragmites australis) has the potential to establish and expand in Strathcona County. It is a Eurasian plant that has been moving west from eastern Canada.

How to identify phragmites

• Tall reed like plant known as the European common reed.
• Grows in shallow water at a wetlands edge.
• Prefers saline conditions and disturbed soils.
• Spreads quickly by seeds, rhizomes or stolon(root like stems)
• Reaches heights of 5 metres with 200 stems per metre sq.
• Grows fast and chokes out native species by releasing toxins from it’s roots.
• Becomes a fire hazard in large dense stands and blocks motorist sightlines in ditches.
• Has no natural predators in Canada.

Management

Identification and prevention are key.

• Remove all visible portions of the plant and dispose of them in the garbage - do not compost
• Backhoe excavated in ditch areas
• Limited herbicide control by commercial operators
• Gardeners should only use native or non-invasive plants

Report any suspect plants to Planning and Development Services at 780-464-8080.

Further information: