Reed (Phragmites)

Reed Genus Details

Phragmite australis, or common reed, is a tall, perennial reed grass that grows 4-9 feet tall and forms extensive colonies in moist or marshy areas. Common reed grass has lance-shaped leaves up to 20 inches long and 1 inch wide. It produces showy plumed seed heads about 20 inches tall. This grass is native to swamps in North America, Europe and Asia.
Reed Allergy Info

The allergenicity has not been verified in North America, yet may cause pollinosis in late summer. Phragmite communis pollen has been reported to be allergenic in Israel.
Reed Pollen Description

Phragmites pollen grains are similar to other grass grains. They are spheroidal to ovoidal with a thin exine. The grains are 1-porate and the pore is usually circular and surrounded by a thickened ring (annulus) and covered by an operculum.
The pollen grains are approximately 28-30 micrometers in diameter.

This plant belongs to the grass family. All pollen grains in this family are similar to the Poaceae (grass) grain pictured here. Herb. MIN

This plant belongs to the grass family. All pollen grains in this family are similar to the Poaceae (grass) grains pictured here. Herb. MIN
Species in This Genus

Allergenicity Legend:
Mild Allergen |
Moderate Allergen |
Severe Allergen |
Allergy Test Available




Reed (Phragmites) is a genus of the POACEAE family.
This genus includes the following allergenic species:
This genus includes the following allergenic species: