Description
This common reed forms large beds in shallow water; it has round, hollow stems, which typically grow to 7ft in height, but may reach 12ft. These stems grow from a system of stout, creeping rhizomes. The flat leaves taper into a point, and are attached to the stem by smooth sheaths, which are loose so that the leaves all point in one direction in the wind. The flowers are borne on highly branching purple inflorescence, which measure from 8″ to 2ft in length. The flowers are grouped into ‘spikelets’, which are 10-15 mm in length and support 1-6 flowers.
