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Wasowski, Sally and Andy (Winona, MN)
Schoenoplectus tabernaemontani (K.C. Gmel.) Palla
Great bulrush, Soft-stem club-rush, Softstem bulrush
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.
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
Metadata
Record Modified: 2008-05-22
Research By: TWC Staff
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