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Bulrush (Schoenoplectus)
Also known as : Tule
The cosmopolitan, grass-like bulrush plants tend to flourish in damp conditions, often being found close to or in standing water. These evergreen perennials are popularly used for ponds or water gardens, providing shelter and a food source for wildfowl. Traditionally, some species were woven into baskets, mats, and even homes.
Lifespan
Perennial
Key Facts About Bulrush
Feedback
Attributes of Bulrush
Flower Color
White
Yellow
Brown
Leaf type
Evergreen
Scientific Classification of Bulrush
Distribution of Bulrush
Feedback
Distribution Map of Bulrush
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
How to Grow and Care for Bulrush
Feedback
The bulrush genus includes aquatic and marshland bulbous plants found in temperate and tropical areas. Basic care needs involve full sun to partial shade exposure, moderate to high water levels, temperatures that are not extreme, and nutrient-rich, loamy soil. Common challenges include susceptibility to pests such as aphids and diseases particularly rust. Bulrush requires heightened attention in the summer due to high transpiration levels. In winter, the ground must not be allowed to freeze around the plant. Seasonal care adjustments might include increased watering in summer and mulching for winter protection.
Exploring the Bulrush Plants
Feedback
8 most common species：
Softstem bulrush
The softstem bulrush (Schoenoplectus tabernaemontani) is a sedge found in or near water in many places around the world. It provides nesting cover for waterbirds and food for muskrats. It is useful for erosion control and habitat restoration. Indigenous tribes wove the leaves and stalks into bags and fine mats.
California bulrush
Despite the name, Schoenoplectus californicus doesn't grow only in California. On the contrary, this tall california bulrush occurs in wetlands across all of southern North America, as well as South America. It's a vigorous grower that produces flowers from spring to summer, and it's often used to prevent soil erosion.
Common clubrush
The common clubrush (Schoenoplectus lacustris) grows in freshwater areas in Europe and neighboring regions of Asia and North Africa. Its leaves can be as high as 1 m.
Hardstem tule
Hardstem tule (Schoenoplectus acutus) is a large species of sedge that grows in marshes, mountain meadows, wet grasslands, and plains grasslands of North America, often forming monocultures in its marsh habitats. Hardstem tule has an important ecological role at shorelines, as it helps buffer against wind and water, fighting erosion.
Sharp clubrush
Sharp clubrush (Schoenoplectus americanus) is a very useful grass that has been used by various Native American peoples for basket and hat weaving. It is a salt-tolerant wetland species that is very effective at revegetating these saline habitats. This useful plant is an important food source for muskrats and snow geese.
Streambank bulrush
The Dreikantige Teichbinse grows as a perennial herbaceous plant and reaches stature heights of 50 to 120, rarely up to 150 centimeters. It forms relatively long, 2 to 5 mm thick shoots. The stem is sharp triangular, fairly soft and light to dark green.
Common three-square
Schoenoplectus pungens is a long-lived perennial herb up to 1.5 m tall. The foliage is dark green, rough and dense. The small flowers are grouped in dense spikelets, with of 1–7 spikelets on each stem. The seeds are brown. It is closely related to S. americanus, and many S. pungens specimens have long been misidentified as S. americanus.
Swaying bulrush
It is a perennial herb forming mats or tufts of very narrow cylindrical stems easily exceeding one meter long. There is a rhizome and sometimes tubers grow on it. When the plant grows in water only the inflorescences and the tips of the leaf blades break the surface. The inflorescence is generally a single cone-shaped spikelet at the end of the stem accompanied by a stiff, stemlike bract.
All Species of Bulrush
Softstem bulrush
Softstem bulrush
The softstem bulrush (Schoenoplectus tabernaemontani) is a sedge found in or near water in many places around the world. It provides nesting cover for waterbirds and food for muskrats. It is useful for erosion control and habitat restoration. Indigenous tribes wove the leaves and stalks into bags and fine mats.
California bulrush
California bulrush
Despite the name, Schoenoplectus californicus doesn't grow only in California. On the contrary, this tall california bulrush occurs in wetlands across all of southern North America, as well as South America. It's a vigorous grower that produces flowers from spring to summer, and it's often used to prevent soil erosion.
Common clubrush
Common clubrush
The common clubrush (Schoenoplectus lacustris) grows in freshwater areas in Europe and neighboring regions of Asia and North Africa. Its leaves can be as high as 1 m.
Hardstem tule
Hardstem tule
Hardstem tule (Schoenoplectus acutus) is a large species of sedge that grows in marshes, mountain meadows, wet grasslands, and plains grasslands of North America, often forming monocultures in its marsh habitats. Hardstem tule has an important ecological role at shorelines, as it helps buffer against wind and water, fighting erosion.
Sharp clubrush
Sharp clubrush
Sharp clubrush (Schoenoplectus americanus) is a very useful grass that has been used by various Native American peoples for basket and hat weaving. It is a salt-tolerant wetland species that is very effective at revegetating these saline habitats. This useful plant is an important food source for muskrats and snow geese.
Streambank bulrush
Streambank bulrush
The Dreikantige Teichbinse grows as a perennial herbaceous plant and reaches stature heights of 50 to 120, rarely up to 150 centimeters. It forms relatively long, 2 to 5 mm thick shoots. The stem is sharp triangular, fairly soft and light to dark green.
Common three-square
Common three-square
Schoenoplectus pungens is a long-lived perennial herb up to 1.5 m tall. The foliage is dark green, rough and dense. The small flowers are grouped in dense spikelets, with of 1–7 spikelets on each stem. The seeds are brown. It is closely related to S. americanus, and many S. pungens specimens have long been misidentified as S. americanus.
Swaying bulrush
Swaying bulrush
It is a perennial herb forming mats or tufts of very narrow cylindrical stems easily exceeding one meter long. There is a rhizome and sometimes tubers grow on it. When the plant grows in water only the inflorescences and the tips of the leaf blades break the surface. The inflorescence is generally a single cone-shaped spikelet at the end of the stem accompanied by a stiff, stemlike bract.
Torrey's bulrush
Torrey's bulrush
Torrey's bulrush is a perennial grass-like wetland species. Its distinctive tall, slender green stems rise above the water, topped with small brown flower spikes. Adapting to life in marshy soils, torrey's bulrush forms dense clumps that provide habitat for wildlife. Its robust root system helps stabilize soil and filter water, crucial for ecosystem health.
Schoenoplectus scirpoides
Schoenoplectus scirpoides
Schoenoplectus scirpoides is a perennial wetland reed that thrives in marshy terrains. Its wiry, cylindrical stems and feathery, clustered spikelets elegantly rise above the water surface. This plant's long, slender leaves blend seamlessly with its stems, allowing it to sway gracefully with the ebb and flow of aquatic environments. Significant for its role in erosion control, schoenoplectus scirpoides forms dense colonies that provide vital habitat for wildlife.
More Popular Genus
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Dracaena
Dracaena are popular house plants that are easy to grow. They can tolerate low-light conditions and require little watering. Their leaves range from variegated to dark green. Their characteristic traits include woody stems that grow slowly but offer a striking appearance for small spaces such as apartments or offices.
Fig trees
Fig trees have been cultivated in many regions for their fruits, particularly the common fig, F. carica. Most of the species have edible fruits, although the common fig is the only one of commercial value. Fig trees are also important food sources for wildlife in the tropics, including monkeys, bats, and insects.
Brambles
Brambles are members of the rose family, and there are hundreds of different types to be found throughout the European countryside. They have been culturally significant for centuries; Christian folklore stories hold that when the devil was thrown from heaven, he landed on a bramble bush. Their vigorous growth habit can tangle into native plants and take over.
Maples
The popular tree family known as maples change the color of their leaves in the fall. Many cultural traditions encourage people to watch the colors change, such as momijigari in Japan. Maples popular options for bonsai art. Alternately, their sap is used to create maple syrup.
Prunus
Prunus is a genus of flowering fruit trees that includes almonds, cherries, plums, peaches, nectarines, and apricots. These are often known as "stone fruits" because their pits are large seeds or "stones." When prunus trees are damaged, they exhibit "gummosis," a condition in which the tree's gum (similar to sap) is secreted to the bark to help heal external wounds.
Nightshades
Nightshades is a large and diverse genus of plants, with more than 1500 different types worldwide. This genus incorporates both important staple food crops like tomato, potato, and eggplant, but also dangerous poisonous plants from the nightshade family. The name was coined by Pliny the Elder almost two thousand years ago.
Roses
Most species of roses are shrubs or climbing plants that have showy flowers and sharp thorns. They are commonly cultivated for cut flowers or as ornamental plants in gardens due to their attractive appearance, pleasant fragrance, and cultural significance in many countries. The rose hips (fruits) can also be used in jams and teas.
Oaks
Oaks are among the world's longest-lived trees, sometimes growing for over 1,000 years! The oldest known oak tree is in the southern United States and is over 1,500 years old. Oaks produce an exceedingly popular type of wood which is used to make different products, from furniture and flooring to wine barrels and even cosmetic creams.
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About
Key Facts
Distribution
How To Care
All Species
More Genus
Bulrush
Schoenoplectus
Also known as: Tule
The cosmopolitan, grass-like bulrush plants tend to flourish in damp conditions, often being found close to or in standing water. These evergreen perennials are popularly used for ponds or water gardens, providing shelter and a food source for wildfowl. Traditionally, some species were woven into baskets, mats, and even homes.
Lifespan
Perennial
Key Facts About Bulrush
Feedback
Attributes of Bulrush
Flower Color
White
Yellow
Brown
Leaf type
Evergreen
Scientific Classification of Bulrush
Distribution of Bulrush
Feedback
Distribution Map of Bulrush
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
How to Grow and Care for Bulrush
Feedback
The bulrush genus includes aquatic and marshland bulbous plants found in temperate and tropical areas. Basic care needs involve full sun to partial shade exposure, moderate to high water levels, temperatures that are not extreme, and nutrient-rich, loamy soil. Common challenges include susceptibility to pests such as aphids and diseases particularly rust. Bulrush requires heightened attention in the summer due to high transpiration levels. In winter, the ground must not be allowed to freeze around the plant. Seasonal care adjustments might include increased watering in summer and mulching for winter protection.
Exploring the Bulrush Plants
Feedback
8 most common species：
Softstem bulrush
The softstem bulrush (Schoenoplectus tabernaemontani) is a sedge found in or near water in many places around the world. It provides nesting cover for waterbirds and food for muskrats. It is useful for erosion control and habitat restoration. Indigenous tribes wove the leaves and stalks into bags and fine mats.
California bulrush
Despite the name, Schoenoplectus californicus doesn't grow only in California. On the contrary, this tall california bulrush occurs in wetlands across all of southern North America, as well as South America. It's a vigorous grower that produces flowers from spring to summer, and it's often used to prevent soil erosion.
Common clubrush
The common clubrush (Schoenoplectus lacustris) grows in freshwater areas in Europe and neighboring regions of Asia and North Africa. Its leaves can be as high as 1 m.
Hardstem tule
Hardstem tule (Schoenoplectus acutus) is a large species of sedge that grows in marshes, mountain meadows, wet grasslands, and plains grasslands of North America, often forming monocultures in its marsh habitats. Hardstem tule has an important ecological role at shorelines, as it helps buffer against wind and water, fighting erosion.
Show More Species
All Species of Bulrush
More Popular Genus
Feedback
Dracaena
Dracaena are popular house plants that are easy to grow. They can tolerate low-light conditions and require little watering. Their leaves range from variegated to dark green. Their characteristic traits include woody stems that grow slowly but offer a striking appearance for small spaces such as apartments or offices.
Fig trees
Fig trees have been cultivated in many regions for their fruits, particularly the common fig, F. carica. Most of the species have edible fruits, although the common fig is the only one of commercial value. Fig trees are also important food sources for wildlife in the tropics, including monkeys, bats, and insects.
Brambles
Brambles are members of the rose family, and there are hundreds of different types to be found throughout the European countryside. They have been culturally significant for centuries; Christian folklore stories hold that when the devil was thrown from heaven, he landed on a bramble bush. Their vigorous growth habit can tangle into native plants and take over.
Maples
The popular tree family known as maples change the color of their leaves in the fall. Many cultural traditions encourage people to watch the colors change, such as momijigari in Japan. Maples popular options for bonsai art. Alternately, their sap is used to create maple syrup.
Prunus
Prunus is a genus of flowering fruit trees that includes almonds, cherries, plums, peaches, nectarines, and apricots. These are often known as "stone fruits" because their pits are large seeds or "stones." When prunus trees are damaged, they exhibit "gummosis," a condition in which the tree's gum (similar to sap) is secreted to the bark to help heal external wounds.
Nightshades
Nightshades is a large and diverse genus of plants, with more than 1500 different types worldwide. This genus incorporates both important staple food crops like tomato, potato, and eggplant, but also dangerous poisonous plants from the nightshade family. The name was coined by Pliny the Elder almost two thousand years ago.
Roses
Most species of roses are shrubs or climbing plants that have showy flowers and sharp thorns. They are commonly cultivated for cut flowers or as ornamental plants in gardens due to their attractive appearance, pleasant fragrance, and cultural significance in many countries. The rose hips (fruits) can also be used in jams and teas.
Oaks
Oaks are among the world's longest-lived trees, sometimes growing for over 1,000 years! The oldest known oak tree is in the southern United States and is over 1,500 years old. Oaks produce an exceedingly popular type of wood which is used to make different products, from furniture and flooring to wine barrels and even cosmetic creams.
Your Ultimate Guide to Plants
Identify grow and nurture the better way!
17,000 local species +400,000 global species studied
Nearly 5 years of research
80+ scholars in botany and gardening
Continue reading in our app - it's better
A database of 400000+ plants
unlimited guides at your fingertips...
unlimited guides at your fingertips...
