ABSTRACT
Common reed is usually the dominant plant where it occurs, often forming very large, continuous patches. In European lakes, extremely large floating or loosely rooted mats of vegetation are often developed, dominated by common reed. Common reed can also develop stolons that trail along the ground for as long as 15 m. Common reed has been listed as one of the world's worst weeds, and is legislated as a noxious weed in several jurisdictions in North America. Common reed often becomes very aggressive in aquatic areas where the water table is lowered. Invasive reed is particularly common in eastern North America, whereas native North American kinds of reed are relatively predominant in western North America. Common reed is considered to be an attractive wild food for humans.
