Abstract: Phragmites australis is a typical perennial gramineous plant with superior reproductive capacity, This study was based on the summary of the ecological habit characteristics of P. australis, the effects of water and salt on the physiological morphology of P. australis were analyzed, and the ecological function of reed in coastal wetlands was clarified from the aspects of anti-wind and wave elimination, purification of water quality and adsorption of heavy metals. And the research progress of reed breeding technology was summarized, the aim is to provide scientific basis for making full use of the application of reed community in coastal wetland vegetation restoration and ecological construction.