Why Are They a Concern?
These stands of phragmites displace most other native plants, animals and birds within an area. The negative impacts of invasive species are second only to the destruction of natural habitats as the leading cause of biodiversity loss.
What it Looks Like and How it Spreads?
Phragmites (pronounced "frag-MY-tees") is a perennial wetland grass which forms dense, near monoculture stands. Stems typically grow to 2 to 6 metres. It has a hollow stem, stiff wide leaves and large plumy flowers. It is native to Eurasia and was likely introduced more than once to North America in the 1800s along the Atlantic coast, as both a seed contaminant in soil ballast and intentionally introduced through the horticulture trade. Rapid expansion of this plant occurred during the 1990s and it has since spread throughout Ontario.
It prefers standing water found in wetlands, banks, lakeshores, beaches, and wet fields, however it can survive in low water areas as well. Phragmites can spread via the seeds, rhizomes and stolons, but most commonly spreads to new areas by rhizome growth and fragmentation. Mature plants can produce thousands of seeds annually.
How the City is Taking Action
The City is in trials, utilising satellite images and AI technology to map the locations of the plant in the parks system.
The City is engaging in manual methods of removal of the plant in Professor's Lake.
