Reed is a tall perennial herb, which can grow to 1 to 3 meters. Stout underground stems grow transversely, with hollow internodes and buds on nodes. Stems are erect and hollow. Leaves are alternate and 2 rows; sheath is cylindrical and ligule is hairy; blades are flat, 15 to 45cm in length, 1 to 3.5cm in width, and with rough edges. Spica arrange into large panicles, which are apical, 20 to 40cm long, slightly drooping, and with white pubescence in the lower stem axillary. Flower is bisexual, with stamens 3, pistil 1, style 2, and pinnate stigma. Fruit is oval, with separated palea. Flowering and fruit time is from July to October. Habitat includes shore and shallow water of river and pond.