Schoenoplectus tabernaemontani (Softstem Bulrush)

Schoenoplectus tabernaemontani (Softstem Bulrush) is a rhizomatous emergent aquatic perennial forming dense stands of narrow erect green stems. The light-green leaves are mostly basal and have wide sheaths around the stems. From spring to summer, terminal sprays of tiny reddish-brown flowers arranged in drooping clusters adorn the top of the soft stems. Found throughout much of the world, including most of North America, Softstem Bulrush occurs naturally in wet prairies, non-tidal marshes, swamps, fringes of lakes and ponds, sloughs, freshwater or brackish shorelines, inland shallow waters, mudflats and ditches along the railroad and roadside right-of-ways. Softstem Bulrush is a rhizomatous cool season perennial that naturalizes by creeping rhizomes and self-seeding. It spreads, sometimes aggressively, to form dense colonies on shorelines or in shallow water. It is good for habitat reconstruction and erosion control in areas with occasional flooding. Softstem Bulrush is a wonderful plant for the wildlife garden as it provides food and cover for ducks, rails, and other wetland wildlife.

• Grows up to 4-8 ft. tall (120-240 cm) and 3-6 ft. wide (90-180 cm).
• Performs best in full sun or light shade in fertile, wet soils, or in water up to 12 in. (30 cm) deep. Tolerates a wide range of salinity.
• An ornamentally attractive grass to be grown at the edge of a pond or water garden, in boggy areas, or shallow water.
• Needs little care and has no serious pest or disease issues.
• In small pools, restrict growth by cutting back the rhizomes annually.
• Propagate by seed or root division from mid-spring to midsummer.
• Native to much of the world including most of North America.