reed

In botany, any of several species of large aquatic grasses, especially the four species in the genus (family Poaceae). The common, or water, reed () occurs along the margins of lakes, fens, marshes, and streams from the Arctic to the tropics. It is a broad-leaved grass, about 5–15 ft (1.5–5 m) tall, with feathery flower clusters and stiff, smooth stems. Bur reed (genus ) and reed mace (genus ) are plants of other families. Dried reed stems have been used for millennia as thatching and construction material, in basketry, for arrows and pens, and in musical instruments (see reed instruments).

Find more information on reed. Upgrade to Britannica Online for more on reed.