A tale of three lineages: Expansion of common reed (Phragmites australis) in the U.S. Southwest and Gulf Coast
Document Type
Article
Date of Original Version
10-1-2010
Abstract
The common reed invasion in North America has spanned two centuries and is still ongoing. This expansion comprises two main forms: an introduced Eurasian lineage (identified here as "Introduced Phragmites") and a Gulf Coast lineage of unknown origin (identified here as "Gulf Coast Phragmites"). Both lineages are spreading beyond their current ranges and are colonizing Southwestern and Gulf Coast ecosystems where they have not previously existed. As a result, the native North American lineage of common reed (hereafter "native Phragmites") has declined in many places. The recent invasion of the U.S. Southwest by Introduced and Gulf Coast Phragmites lineages has made this the only region in the world colonized by all three lineages. Along the central Gulf Coast where Gulf Coast Phragmites remains the dominant form, Introduced Phragmites has also recently invaded the Mississippi River delta. The consequences of these new invasions are uncertain, but a rapid response is needed to protect native species and ecosystems and reduce future control costs. Nomenclature: Common reed, Phragmites australis (Cav.) Trin. ex Steud © 2010 Weed Science Society of America.
Publication Title, e.g., Journal
Invasive Plant Science and Management
Volume
3
Issue
4
Citation/Publisher Attribution
Meyerson, Laura A., Adam M. Lambert, and Kristin Saltonstall. "A tale of three lineages: Expansion of common reed (Phragmites australis) in the U.S. Southwest and Gulf Coast." Invasive Plant Science and Management 3, 4 (2010). doi: 10.1614/IPSM-D-09-00052.1.