Phragmites australis, an invasive species known as the common reed, is highly aggressive and can disrupt native wetland ecosystems. A recently funded study from NCCOS conducted a 5-year experiment across different areas of the Chesapeake Bay to assess the response of invasive and native plants to herbicide treatment. 

The research found that restoration sites surrounded by healthy wetlands had faster success in controlling Phragmites compared to sites in more developed or agricultural landscapes. The study's findings will help invasive plant managers establish realistic goals for Phragmites removal and wetland restoration based on the current condition of the site. 

For more information: https://coastalscience.noaa.gov/news/study-helps-predict-time-effort-needed-to-remove-invasive-reed-in-chesapeake-bay/