Stout grass that measures 2-4 m (6.5-13 ft.) in height.

The stems and leaves are smooth and glabrous.

The gray-green leaves are acuminate in shape, 25-50 cm (10-20 in.) long and 2-3 cm (0.75-1 in.) wide.

Long white hairs are present at the leaf-sheath junction.

The light brown to purple inflorescence is 20-40 cm (7.5-15 in.) long.

The spiklets have 3-7 flowers and appear between July and September.

The flowers are surrounded by silky white hairs.

Common reed should be removed during its early stages in the first weeks of May otherwise, due to its long root, it becomes very difficult to remove.