Try refreshing your browser, or Introduced or native: Why phragmites a problem for Espanola area Back to video We apologize, but this video has failed to load. Where did this invasive species, known as Introduced phragmites, come from? Article content Introduced phragmites differ from native phragmites. The introduced phragmites from Europe was first spotted along the Atlantic coast, spreading all over North America during the 20th century. (www.nps.gov/plant/alien/pubs/index.htm) The native phragmites has stems that are reddish-brown and yellow-green leaves.