I cross-posted part of this discussion to a different list, and got this
interesting reply, which backs up the archaeological evidence for native
phragmites. Hooray botany!

 

Andrew R. Sewell, MS, RPA

Principal Investigator

Historical/Industrial Archaeology

Hardlines Design Company

4608 Indianola Avenue

Columbus, Ohio 43214

ph. (614)-784-8733

fax (614)-784-9336

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From: [log in to unmask] [mailto:[log in to unmask]] 
Sent: Thursday, October 12, 2006 9:08 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: FW: carrizo = phragmites native to US?

 

Andy,

 

There is no doubt that Phragmites australis is a species native to North
America. I encountered the sp. at Sheldon's Marsh State Nature Area in the
early 1970s, when doing botanical studies there.

 

But the presettlement North American variety of the species was far less
aggressive than the P. australis overtaking wetlands today. The native
variety remains isolated and non-aggressive. 

 

There is no doubt that the phrags universally encountered today are derived
from foreign genotypes and are ecologically more significant than the (now
rare) native forms of the plant.

 

Ecological traits in the field count more than specific attributions
assigned in the herbarium. 

 

Sincerely,

John A. Blakeman
Meadow Environments LLC
2412 Scheid Rd.
Huron OH 44839
419-433-5639
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