Schoenoplectus pungens (Vahl) Palla
characteristics
A rhizomatous perennial with upright or arched triangular, stems. Leaves are narrow and grass-like on the lower stem only. The flower is a tight clustered spikelet emerging beneath a bract that appears to be part of the stem. Scales are yellowish to reddish brown. Seeds are small, brown and lentil shaped.
Also known as chairmaker's rush.
| T | SSN | H | W | sun | soil | H2O | fire | N2 | pH | summer | fall | flower (seed) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| P | CW | 1.3 | S | S | F-M | W | •• | - | 5.2-8.5 | green | yellow | cream (brown) |
habitat
Marshes, ponds, streambanks, ditches.
uses
Seeds are eaten by a variety of wetland birds such as blue winged and cinnamon teal, greater and lesser scaups.
Blackbirds and marsh wrens use the stems for nesting.
Stems were and continue to be used for basket weaving.
Roots and rhizomes were eaten by various North American aboriginals.
Excellent for reconstructed wetlands:
Removes Nitrogen (N2) and phosphorus (P) from water.
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