A large stand of phragmites. Image credit: invasiveplants.net

     Sometimes called Canada's worst invasive, phragmites australis is known for choking off water flow and outcompeting native plants, developing monocultures so large and dense that turtles are known to die by becoming trapped on their sides between the reeds. "Nothing lives there except mosquitoes and ticks," said habitat restoration expert Frank Letourneau. "All you find are skeletal remains and a lot of dead birds. Once I even found a dead deer."

     Currently targeting a massive culture in a drainage canal in Sarnia, Canada, officials become worried due to the invasive's ability to clog and impede water flow. "It's the worst I've ever seen a drainage ditch," said Letourneau.

     For the full article from thesarniajournal.ca, click here or on the link available below.