softstem bulrush

Schoenoplectus tabernaemontani

characteristics

Dark green, slightly curved, spongy stems grow up to 2.5 m. Narrow toward the tip, stems are topped with dense clusters of drooping, brown to reddish brown, scaley spikelets with tiny white flowers. Often seen growing in colonies; spreads quickly.

Starts from seed, bare root, sprig, cutting.

habitat

Marshes, lake and stream shores, and wet meadows.

uses

Nesting cover for waterfowl.
Fruits are a food source for ducks and marsh birds.

North American aboriginals wove the stems into mats.

Excellent for reconstructed wetlands:
Removes Nitrogen (N₂) and phosphorus (P) from water.