Save The Great South Bay Word of The Week: Phragmites

BABYLON, NY — They may look pretty, but they actually do more harm than good for the environment.

Phragmites, a common and invasive tall reed that crowds out native plant species, is Save the Great South Bay's Word of The Week Wednesday pick.

Found across the South Shore along creek beds, phragmites must have full sun to thrive.

As a non-native, phragmites has little to no ecological value in the U.S.

The best way to get rid of it, the organization said, is to shade it out with native tree canopy.

Save the Great South Bay is a non-profit organization dedicated to the revitalization of Long Island's Great South Bay.

In an effort to educate readers about the Bay, Patch has partnered with Save the Great South Bay to create a "Word of The Week Wednesday" series. Each week, Patch will share a "Great South Bay" word, to hopefully create discussions amongst readers, and to provide a larger understanding of our environment.

To learn more about phragmites and how to help the Great South Bay, click here.