phragmites

[frag-mahy-teez]

noun

1. any of several tall grasses of the genus Phragmites, having plumed heads, growing in marshy areas, especially the common reed P. australis (orP. communis ).

Word History and Origins

Origin of phragmites¹

< New Latin (1820) < Greek phragmī́tēs growing in hedges, equivalent to phrágm ( a ) fence, breastwork, screen (noun derivative of phrássein ( Attic phráttein ) to fence in, hedge around) + -ītēs -ite ¹

Example Sentences

The area is plagued by phragmites, an invasive reed that covers thousands of shoreline acres.

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The scientific name is Phragmites.

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The Park Service employed herbicide to remove the Phragmites.

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Part of the plan involves reintroducing native plant species that are more appropriate to the site than Phragmites: narrowleaf cattail, pickerelweed, black willow, blue iris, buttonbush and alder.

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She has been studying invasive plants since she was a graduate student at Yale University, where she was prompted by a professor explaining how phragmites—common reeds—are invading muskrat habitats and destroying the animals’ homes on the Quinnipiac River.

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