Tall worldwide wetland grass reaching 4 m, with the classic plumed flower heads of reed beds. The traditional roof-thatching reed of northern Europe and a globally important wetland-purification plant.
Hardiness ratings
| System | Rating | Temperature range | How to read it |
|---|---|---|---|
| USDA hardiness zone | Zone 3–10 | −40 °C to 4.4 °C | Plant tolerates down to this zone |
| RHS hardiness rating | H7 | down to −20 °C | Plant needs at least this level of cold tolerance |
| Canadian plant hardiness zone | Zone 3–9 | −34 °C and warmer | Plant tolerates down to this zone |
| Australian (ANBG) zone | Zone 1–7 | −15 °C and warmer | Plant tolerates down to this zone |
Growing notes
- Stems used as thatching reed — the dominant roof-thatching material across northern Europe, longer-lasting than wheat-straw thatch (50+ years on a north-facing pitch in cool maritime climates)
- WARNING: A non-native genetic lineage is INVASIVE across much of North America — has displaced vast areas of native wetland vegetation, listed as a noxious weed in many US states and Canadian provinces, do not plant in North America
- Excellent in reed-bed sewage purification systems — the standard plant for constructed treatment wetlands
- Within its native Eurasian range, an essential species of fen and marsh ecosystems
Categories
Related plants
Cross-check Common reed against your zones