Schoenoplectus tabernaemontani
Soft-Stem Bulrush
General
A fast-spreading bulrush, useful for erosion control and soil stabilization. Can spread by seeds or rhizomes, making it good for colonization and able to recover from fire damage. Provides cover for waterfowl and food for muskrat. Roots of this bulrush can be ground into flour, and young roots and young shoots can be eaten raw or cooked.
Plant Description
Unbranching bulrush with a rounded central stem. The leaves and sheathes grow from the base of the plant and are usually not very visible. The inflorescence grows from the top of the stem, a branching compound flower with brown spikelets. Stems are somewhat bendy, but easily broken or crushed.
Height (ft)
4-9'
Soil moisture
Wet
Soil types
Clay, silty clay, muck or sand
Wetland indicator
OBL
Shade tolerance
Intolerant, Full Sun
Bloom color
Red or Brown
Bloom period
Spring
Drought tolerance
None
Salinity tolerance
Low
Range
Common throughout most of North America. In the United States, native to all 50 states, and least common in the Southwest from Virginia to Texas.
Additional Information
According to BRIT - Native American Ethnobotany Database, this plant has been used by many tribes as an emetic, weaved into rugs and bedding, made into a compound decoction to treat snakebites, flowers used as love medicines and much more. The stem base and roots were also used as food.