August 10, 2007

In order to protect Nebraska's economy and the quality of its land and waterways, Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA) Director Greg Ibach has designated phragmites as a noxious weed in the Republican River Basin. The designation took effect August 3, 2007.

Ibach said the phragmites designation covers four Natural Resources Districts: the Tri Basin, Upper Republican, Middle Republican and Lower Republican.

"These NRDs are working cooperatively with other entities on invasive weed management in the river basin. This designation will be important to those efforts," Ibach said.

Phragmites grows along rivers, streams, floodplains and lakeshores. It can quickly form a monoculture and displace native riparian plants, grasses and forbs. Once phragmites matures, it sends out stolons searching for water; these stolons send out roots that can stretch as much as 32 feet in search of water. Phragmites can grow to 20 feet tall.

Phragmites is present in Nebraska landscapes as a native plant; this designation covers non-native phragmites only.

Other officially designated noxious weeds in Nebraska include: Saltcedar, Canada thistle, leafy spurge, musk thistle, plumeless thistle, purple loosestrife and spotted and diffuse knapweeds.

Those with questions about the phragmites designation are encouraged to contact their county weed control superintendent. Questions may also be directed to the NDA Noxious Weed Program Manager at (402) 471-6844.

NDA News Release