Phragmites (/fræɡˈmaɪtiːz/) is a genus of four species of large perennial reed grasses found in wetlands throughout temperate and tropical regions of the world.

The World Checklist of Selected Plant Families, maintained by Kew Garden in London, accepts the following four species:[3][2] Phragmites stands can provide food and shelter resources for a number of birds, insects, and other animals.

[4] Some evidence suggests that a short term management rotation of 1–2 years could maximize bird and invertebrate numbers.

The water then trickles through a constructed wetland or artificial reed bed, where bioremediation bacterial action on the surface of roots and leaf litter removes some of the nutrients in biotransformation.

[citation needed] In Middle East countries Phragmites is used to create a small instrument similar to the clarinet called a sipsi, with either a single, as in the picture, or double pipes as in bagpipes.

Grazing on phragmites by large-bodied domestic herbivores, such as cows, horses, sheep, and goats, can effectively control the plant and provide a reciprocal positive benefit for humans by generating meat, milk, leather, and wool etc.

Reed stands flower in December, and the blooms are harvested and bundled into whisk brooms called "walis".

[23] Phragmites also alters wetland biogeochemistry and affects both floral and faunal species assemblages,[24] including potentially reducing nitrogen and phosphorus availability for other plants.

Their sheer height and density can deprive other plants of sunlight and the chemicals they produce when decaying reduce the germination of competing seeds.

[26] Among other effects, the monocultures that result from invasion decrease spatial and temporal habitat heterogeneity and increase avian homogeneity.

Further, even the proper herbicide can lead to unintended consequences since a large amount of decaying dead plant material can depress oxygen levels in the water and kill all the fish in a pond or small lake.