Introduction: Originally from Europe, Asia and Africa, common reed was introduced to North America as an ornamental plant for gardens and fountains. Reproducing both by airborne seeds and through their roots, common reeds soon spread to wild areas, taking over enormous swaths of wetland. The reed’s roots release acids into the water and soil. These acids deteriorate the root structures of other plants, effectively killing them as they become replaced by more common reed, creating thick monocultures. Growing so close to one another, these reeds also create boundaries for wildlife with Species at Risk like Blanding’s turtles having been found dead amongst the reeds, stuck and unable to escape. The reeds also limits the available nesting sites for birds, and can dry up wetlands needed for breeding amphibians and fish.
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