Family: Cyperaceae
hard-stem bulrush
Robert W. Freckmann
Hugh H. Iltis
University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, Robert W. Freckmann Herbarium (UWSP)
Etymology: Schoenoplectus: Greek a 'rush leek' ' plecto for "plaited, twisted"
schoenos for "rush or reed"
Plants: erect, perennial, 3-10' tall, semi-aquatic, emergent sedge; stems sturdy, firm, olive colored, cylindrical, filled with many small chambers; shallow rhizomes
Leaves: mostly sheaths or short blades at stem base
Flowers: inflorescence oval, stalked spikelets at side of floral bract at top of stem, spikelets in spirals are gray-brown with red flecks, fringed edge
Fruits: nutlets from under scales
Habitat: wet; marshes, in water usually less than 40" deep; in firm substrate soil
Conservation Status: Native
Plants: erect, perennial, 3-10' tall, semi-aquatic, emergent sedge; stems sturdy, firm, olive colored, cylindrical, filled with many small chambers; shallow rhizomes
Leaves: mostly sheaths or short blades at stem base
Flowers: inflorescence oval, stalked spikelets at side of floral bract at top of stem, spikelets in spirals are gray-brown with red flecks, fringed edge
Fruits: nutlets from under scales
Habitat: wet; marshes, in water usually less than 40" deep; in firm substrate soil
Conservation Status: Native
A Round-Stem Bulrush
- achenes 2-sided
- perianth bristles 6
- spikelets oblong to cylindrical, more than twice as long as broad
- stems firm
- awns of floral scales usually strongly contorted
- spikelets may be densely crowded
- pedicels sometimes puberulent and/or red-flecked like the scales
Flora of North America: Flora of North America Floristic Rating: Coefficient of Conservatism = 6, Wetland Indicator = OBL USDA Plants Database: Federal Distribution and detailed information including photos USGS - Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center: Wetland Plants and Plant Communities of Minnesota and Wisconsin
Hugh H. Iltis
Hugh H. Iltis
Kurt Stüber
Botancial Illustration
