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Reed – edible wild plant – how to find, identify, prepare, and other uses for survival.

Reeds in the Fall

Reed plant (Phragmites australis)

Common ReedThe Reed is a large, tall, coarse perennial (comes back year after year) grass that grows to 3.5 meters (12 feet) tall and has long gray-green leaves about 4 centimeters (1 1/2 inch) wide and 1-2 feet long. It has large clusters of dark purple or brown flower branches in early summer. These rarely produce grain and become fluffy, gray masses late in the season.  Its roots are horizontal runners that put down roots at regular intervals.

The Reed commonly forms in extensive “reed beds” which may be 1/2 square mile or larger.

Where to find Reed plants in the wild

Reeds have purplish heads that appear gray/brown after covered in tiny hairsReed is common in alkaline habitats and tolerates brackish water well.  Look for reed in any open, wet area, especially one that has been disturbed through dredging. It can grow in damp ground, in standing water, or as a floating mat.  Reed is found throughout the temperate regions of both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres.

Edible parts of Reed plants

All parts of the plant are edible raw or cooked in any season. Harvest the stems as they emerge from the soil and boil them (older plants may be tougher). You can also harvest them just before they produce flowers, then dry and beat them into flour. You can also dig up and boil the underground stems, but they are often tough. Seeds are edible raw or boiled, but they are rarely found.  The stalks excrete a manna-like gum which is also edible.

Other uses for Reed plants

Reed plants are not only used as raw materials in basket weaving, roofing, and musical instrument production. They have a variety of other uses.

One of the most important uses of reed plants is in wastewater treatment. Reed plants are used in constructed wetlands to treat wastewater. They help absorb nutrients and break down pollutants in the water, resulting in cleaner water that can be reused or safely discharged into the environment. This is an important process that helps to protect the environment and human health.

Reed plants can also be used to produce bioenergy in the form of biogas or biofuels. The plant’s high cellulose content makes it an ideal feedstock for bioenergy production. This is particularly important as the world looks for alternative sources of energy that are sustainable and environmentally friendly.

Another use for reed plants is in soil erosion control. They help stabilize soil and prevent erosion, which is important for maintaining healthy ecosystems. Reed plants are often used in soil bioengineering projects to create living structures that provide long-term erosion control.

Reed plant picture identification guide

  • Spreading habitat of the reed (a reed bed)
  • Reeds in Spring and Summer
  • Reeds in the Fall
  • Dead reeds in the winter
  • Reed leaves
  • Color drawing of a Reed illustrating its various components
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