Expert issues warning about seemingly harmless plant devastating Great Lakes: 'Difficult, ugly, hard plant to navigate'

A YouTube video is shedding light on an invasive species that's quickly overwhelming parts of the Great Lakes.

In the video from Great Lakes Now, Janice Gilbert, wetland ecologist and executive director of the Invasive Phragmites Control Centre, elaborates on the growing threat of non-native phragmites, a tall reed that spreads aggressively along shorelines. She explains that, while it may look harmless, it's anything but.

"I've heard a lot of people say it's a really pretty grass, and I guess I could see that if I didn't know how destructive it was," Gilbert says.

This invasive species can outcompete native plants and disrupt habitats for fish and birds. Conservationists in the area have even found dead turtles that became trapped in the patches.

"If you have to spend any amount of time in phragmites, it quickly does not become pretty," Gilbert says. "It becomes [a] pretty difficult, ugly, hard plant to navigate."

In addition to being hard to eradicate, it's dangerous. Dried-out phragmites can build up and become a fire hazard to nearby communities.

This unwanted wetland intruder is bad news for the community. Phragmites drives up maintenance costs for property owners and state budgets and can take over some of our favorite outdoor areas. Overgrowth can block scenic views, limit recreation such as boating and fishing, and lower nearby property values.

That's why experts urge homeowners, especially those living near lakes and wetlands, to avoid planting non-native grasses and instead do what they can to restore native vegetation. For homeowners, this is a win-win: Rewilding your yard with native plants saves water and reduces maintenance. It also creates a friendly space for pollinators, helping protect our food security. For more climate-smart landscaping tips, explore how to upgrade to a natural lawn.

Viewers in the comments chimed in with their own takes.

"In 10 to 20 years it will push out all native cattails," one wrote.

Should the government be paying people to hunt invasive species? Definitely 👍 Depends on the animal 🤔 No way 👎 Just let people do it for free 🤷 Click your choice to see results and speak your mind.

"I have seen the roots 6 feet deep in ditches they had to be excavated. [They're] a serious problem to remove," another said.

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