phragmites

American  

[frag-mahy-teez] / frægˈmaɪ tiz /

noun

1. any of several tall grasses of the genus Phragmites, having plumed heads, growing in marshy areas, especially the common reed P. australis (orP. communis ).

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Etymology

Origin of phragmites

< New Latin (1820) < Greek phragmī́tēs growing in hedges, equivalent to phrágm ( a ) fence, breastwork, screen (noun derivative of phrássein ( Attic phráttein ) to fence in, hedge around) + -ītēs -ite ¹

Example Sentences

The helicopter-based survey was carried out last year after scientists observed freshwater emerging under pressure in parts of the exposed lakebed in Farmington Bay, forming unusual mounds covered in dense phragmites reeds.

From Science Daily

This abrupt transition occurs beneath one of the phragmites mounds and marks a major structural boundary that warrants further investigation.

From Science Daily

The area is plagued by phragmites, an invasive reed that covers thousands of shoreline acres.

From Seattle Times

The scientific name is Phragmites.

From Washington Post

The Park Service employed herbicide to remove the Phragmites.

From Washington Post