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Wasowski, Sally and Andy (Winona, MN)

Schoenoplectus tabernaemontani (K.C. Gmel.) Palla

Great bulrush, Soft-stem club-rush, Softstem bulrush

Cyperaceae (Sedge Family)

Synonyms: Scirpus validus

USDA Symbol: SCTA2

USDA Native Status: Native to U.S.

Soft-stem club-rush or great bulrush is a 3-9 ft. perennial rush with soft, weak stems; light-green leaves; and orange-brown, many-flowered spikelets & scaled nutlets arranged in drooping clusters.

 

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Plant Characteristics

Duration: Perennial
Habit: Grass/Grass-like
Size Class: 3-6 ft.
Leaf Color: Green

Bloom Information

Bloom Color: Red
Bloom Time: Apr , May

Distribution

USA: AL , AK , AZ , AR , CA , CO , CT , DE , FL , GA , HI , ID , IL , IN , IA , KS , KY , LA , ME , MD , MA , MI , MN , MS , MO , MT , NE , NV , NH , NJ , NM , NY , NC , ND , OH , OK , OR , PA , RI , SC , SD , TN , TX , UT , VT , VA , WA , WV , WI , WY , DC
Native Distribution: Nf. to AK, s. to FL, Central America & n. CA
Native Habitat: Brackish or fresh, shallow water marshes; wet prairies
USDA Native Status: L48(N), AK(N), HI(N), PR(N), CAN(N), SPM(N)

Growing Conditions

Water Use: High
Light Requirement: Sun
Soil Moisture: Wet
CaCO3 Tolerance: Medium
Aquatic: yes
Soil Description: Wet soil to standing water.
Conditions Comments: Tolerant of alkali. Bulrush forms a buffer against wind and wave action, thus permitting other aquatic plants to grow in an otherwise unfavorable environment.

Benefit

Use Wildlife: Nesting cover for waterbirds and food for muskrats.
Use Other: An emergent aquatic.
This plant is good for habitat reconstruction and erosion control along areas with occasional flooding.
Using twining and under-over techniques, fine mats and bags were woven from the leaves and stalks. The fine mats were used inside the wigwam to cover the lower walls, or for sitting and eating upon.
Conspicuous Flowers: yes
Attracts: Birds

Propagation

Description: Germinating seed in water at 86-90 degrees in continous high light gives good results.
Seed Collection: Store fresh, undried seeds in water in refrigerator 6 months.
Seed Treatment: See seed storage notes.
Commercially Avail: yes

Find Seed or Plants

Find seed sources for this species at the Native Seed Network.

View propagation protocol from Native Plants Network.

Additional resources

USDA: Find Schoenoplectus tabernaemontani in USDA Plants
FNA: Find Schoenoplectus tabernaemontani in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Schoenoplectus tabernaemontani

Metadata

Record Modified: 2008-05-22
Research By: TWC Staff

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