Last year, Ontario’s Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) took a definitive step in the fight against Canada’s worst invasive plant species, phragmites.
The MNR committed to three years of funding the Ontario Phragmites Action (OPA) program, which is being implemented by the Invasive Species Centre, Nature Conservancy of Canada, and several other key partners.
“Rather than outreach and education, this program is about taking action,” says Chelsea McIsaac, a policy and program manager with the Invasive Species Centre.
Invasive phragmites are overtaking Ontario’s wetlands, lakeshores, and even roadside ditches. They’re the tall reeds with the feathered tips that sway in the wind. While they may look harmless, invasive phragmites release toxins through their roots killing surrounding plants. This destroys habitats and limits biodiversity.
One of the species the invasive phragmites are outcompeting is native phragmites. Native phragmites are essential to healthy ecosystems, providing food and shelter for wildlife without pushing out other native species.
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With a keen eye, people can tell the two species apart, but it’s tricky. Invasive phragmites tend to grow taller, up to five metres, and in dense stands, with nearly 200 stems per square metre. Their stems have a tan or beige colour with blue-green leaves and large, dense seedheads. While native phragmites are shorter, less dense, and often mixed with other plant types. They have more reddish-brown stems with yellow-green leaves and smaller, sparser seedheads.
To make sure people are removing the correct species, the OPA has introduced a phragmites DNA screening program. It allows members of the public to submit samples of phragmites in their area to determine whether they’re invasive or native.
McIsaac says they were shocked by how many people used the program last year. In total, 367 DNA sample kits were distributed, and the OPA expects to send out even more this year.
The testing program is free to use. Members of the public can apply for a kit online. The OPA then sends two envelopes. Sample leaves from the phragmites are placed in both envelopes and then the envelopes are placed in a desiccant bag to allow the samples to dry out. Postage is included to mail the samples back. They’re then tested in a lab at Trent University in Peterborough, Ont.
Last year, McIsaac says the sample results were almost exactly a 50/50 split between native and invasive phragmites.
For this year’s samples, members of the public must submit them by July 4 to receive results by August 16. If this deadline’s missed, samples can be submitted up until October 10 with results coming back before the 2026 season.
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On top of the genetic testing program, the OPA also manages the Invasive Phragmites Control Fund. This is a grant given to community organizations, such as cottage associations, to fund projects that limit the spread of phragmites. Funding can range from $2,500 up to $50,000 depending on the project.
McIsaac says the OPA will generally mirror an organization’s spending. So, if an organization spent $5,000 on equipment to fight phragmites, the control fund would match that $5,000. McIsaac adds that a key focus of the funding is to create jobs within the organizations, with those positions responsible for managing phragmites.
In 2025, 38 organizations received funding. The additional support is helping them fight back against the tough-to-get-rid-of species. “It’s resilient,” says McIsaac. “You can’t burn it or mow it because that won’t get at the root system.”
For small populations in easy to access areas, the best strategy is to cut the phragmites. Using a spade, cut the plant’s rhizome, a stem below the first layer of soil. This is best done between mid-July and mid-August before the plants start flowering. Then bag the phragmites and send it to a large-scale municipal composting facility where the compost pile reaches temperatures high enough to kill living plant material.
For larger populations or populations in aquatic areas, the OPA recommends using herbicides. The only approved herbicide for use near water in Ontario is Habitat Aqua. The herbicide is most effective on plants at peak height because there’s more leaf surface area to transport the herbicide to the roots.
Regardless of the tactic used, it’s likely the process will have to be repeated several seasons in a row. But if groups stay committed, they can get rid of the species.
“We’re optimistic about this program,” says McIsaac. “We’re already seeing some real, positive change.”
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