Phragmites and Cattails Removal
You have probably seen the increasing growth of tall grasses, cattails and phragmites around the lake. But do you know the difference between which is good and which is bad?
Cattails
Cattails
Cattails are indigenous plants that provide a habitat for birds and fish. They protect the lake perimeter from erosion through rhizomes, or underground running roots. They also absorb nutrients and pollutants in the water that can promote algae growth. Basically, they keep Oquirrh Lake healthy and clean.
At maturity, cattails look similar to a "hotdog on a stick." At the end of the season, this turns into cottony seeds that spread the plant and help it continue to repopulate.
Phragmites
At maturity, cattails look similar to a "hotdog on a stick." At the end of the season, this turns into cottony seeds that spread the plant and help it continue to repopulate.
Phragmites
Phragmites are feathery-looking plants that grow in the same areas as cattails. While they look harmless, they are actually an invasive weed and can do quite a bit of damage, including competing with cattails. They grow rapidly, using rhizomes like cattails, but also stolons, or above ground vines. Even leaving a fragment of the root when removing them is enough for another plant to grow. They typically form large clusters that eventually crowd out native fish, birds and vegetation. They can even overrun bodies of water through sedimentation as they grow. Learn more about phragmites control from Utah State University.
(https://extension.usu.edu/rangeplants/grasses-and-grasslikes/common-reed)
We ask that residents allow our crews to handle the maintenance of the plants. You will see crews cutting and treating them in late summer or cutting them down over the winter. Please understand that this is to help prevent their spread in Oquirrh Lake to keep our lake and surrounding area clean and healthy.