Sparganium americanum
Burreed
General
A native aquatic plant found across North America in shallow waters of ponds, lakes, and slow-moving streams. It features long, slender, cylindrical stems topped with distinctive spherical flower clusters. The plant's leaves are strap-like and can grow submerged or floating on the water's surface, providing habitat and food for aquatic wildlife.
Plant Description
Characterized by tall, slender stems that rise above the water's surface, bearing spherical flower heads composed of numerous small, greenish-yellow flowers. Its leaves are long, narrow, and strap-like, typically floating on the water or submerged. This aquatic plant forms dense colonies in shallow waters, contributing to the biodiversity of freshwater habitats across North America.
Height (ft)
1-3 ft
Soil moisture
Moist to submerged
Soil types
Shallow waters of ponds, streams, marshy areas
Wetland indicator
OBL
Shade tolerance
Full sun to part shade
Bloom color
Green yellow
Bloom period
Late spring to early summer
Drought tolerance
Intolerant
Salinity tolerance
Low to moderate
Range
Found in various states spanning from the eastern seaboard westward to the Great Plains
Additional Information
According to USDA NRCS National Plant Data Service, the Klamath tribe would dig up the tubers from this species and use as part of their diet.