Reeds

Reeds were various types of tall grass-like plants, which often grew along the banks of rivers.

The community of Stoors to which Sméagol belonged made boats of reeds. Neekerbreekers haunted the reeds and tussocks of the Midgewater Marshes.

Portrayal in adaptations

1984-1997: Middle-earth Role Playing

Several types of reeds are distinguished:

Arpsusar (S. Tarlisg, Q. Tallixë) was a tall freshwater reed. It could reaching over ten feet high, with thick, hollow, dark-brown stalks. The reed, cut properly, served as a compress for muscular injuries when heated.

Balák (S. Asgnaith, Q. Axonehta), also known as Boneboom, was a blue-crowned reed found in the Elornan shores of the Far South. The stalk was brewed in medicinal tea to treat broken bones.

Dogmallow (S. Glorfind, Q. Laurefindë), also known as Wood Tallow, was a large reed that grew in wetlands. The lowest third of the stem was coated in golden hairs, while the upper third was solid. Scaping out the center and boiling it produced a substance that slowed poisons, though patients risked mistaking it for an actual antidote.

Lartha (S. Nennech, Q. Nendeht), also known as Letha, Licka, or Latha, was a reed found along cold freshwater banks. Its colour goes from brown at the base, to a light green-grey in the middle, and dark brown at the tip. Dried and powdered, it could be boiled into a mild analgesic, easing pain and colds.

Mountainrod (S. Orodlisg, Q. Orolixë), also known as Bonebinder, was a tall reed found near mountain waters. Crushed and boiled for ten minutes into a bitter tea, it hastened the mending of broken bones.

Rolling Reed (S. Nedhrin, Q. Nerrindë), also known as Hoopgrass, Round Reed or Waterweed, was a curved wetland reed. Dried and powdered root mixed with water slowed metabolism when consumed and allows the imbiber to hold their breath longer. Its stems were also dried as toys and decorations.

Sheep’s Plume (S. Pethlebed, Q. Quesselepsë), also known as Frillrod or Ache-ease, was a tall reed found along freshwater shores. Boiling and straining the frilly top yielded a restorative tea that also cured the disease jadaras.

2005: The Lord of the Rings Roleplaying Game: Paths of the Wise

Two types of reeds are distinguished:

Bluereed was a tall reed with a bluish tinge, found along the banks of the Entwash. The Rohirrim valued it for sustaining scouts and messengers, as it staved off the need for sleep for a full day, though it had no effect on Elves.

Spirit Fire was a tall reed gathered along the shores of the Long Lake, which had strong invigorating effects. Valued across Middle-earth, it was a main trade good of the Men of Lake-town, though the orcs also used it for foul concoctions.