River Bulrush (Scirpus fluviatilis)
- Family: Sedge (Cyperaceae)
- Flowering: May-September.
- Field Marks: Two or more bracts subtend the inflorescence. The spikelets are up to 2 inches long.
- Habitat: Swamps, sloughs, around ponds and lakes, along rivers, often in shallow, standing water.
- Habit: Robust perennial herb with rhizomes.
- Stems: Erect, triangular, smooth, up to 6 feet tall.
- Leaves: Flat, elongated, smooth, up to 1 inch broad.
- Flowers: One per scale, with several scales per spikelet, the spikelets up to 2 inches long, forming terminal clusters subtended by several leaf-like bracts.
- Scales: Elongated, usually with 2 teeth and a short awn at the tip.
- Sepals: 0.
- Petals: 0.
- Stamens: 3.
- Pistils: 1; styles 3; ovary superior, subtended by 6 barbed bristles.
- Fruits: Achenes triangular, whitish, about 1/8 inch long.
- Notes: The achenes are eaten by waterfowl.
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