APPENDIX A
Phragmites australis (European Common Reed) – Canada’s Worst Invasive Plant
Phragmites is an aggressively spreading grass that can reach heights of more than 5 metres (16.4 feet) and densities of over 200 plants per square metre. In 2005 it was recognized as Canada’s worst invasive plant by scientists at Agriculture and Agri-food Canada. Since then it has spread throughout Ontario and become a significant threat to London’s wetlands and riparian corridors where it has the potential to drastically reduce plant and animal diversity and threaten a high number of Species at Risk (SAR).
The known negative impacts of Phragmites include:
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Blocking recreational access and aesthetic enjoyment of riparian corridors and wetlands
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Standing dead biomass is a significant fire hazard to hydro corridors & residential areas
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Blocks sight lines along roads and at intersections
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Damage to asphalt roads from Phragmites rhizomes
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Plugging agricultural drainage ditches and tiles, impacting crop yields
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Native plant species cannot effectively compete against Phragmites
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Phragmites stands are monocultures that effectively become wildlife dead-zones
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Reduces or eliminates habitat for high number of Species at Risk
Recent studies have identified roads, rail lines and the movement of infested heavy equipment as the main vectors for the spread of Phragmites . Currently Ontario lacks the coordinated approach required to effectively deal with Phragmites and curtail its spread.
Local control programs are underway in many of Ontario’s municipalities including London where Phragmites is managed in a number of our Environmentally Significant Areas and Parks. While this is an important first step, a Phragmites Management Plan should be developed for London while it is still feasible to protect our City and our Natural Heritage System from Canada’s worst invasive plant. In 2015 the City of St. Thomas began implementing their Phragmites Management Plan to become a “Phragmites Free City by 2020” through an annual budget of $13,000.