Schoenoplectus tabernaemontani (C.C. Gmel.) Palla

Soft Stem Bulrush; Soft Stem Club Rush

Herb

Perennial

Vascular

Soft Stem Bulrush is a native herbaceous perennial in the Sedge family (Cyperaceae). It can be found at scattered locations throughout Alabama. Soft Stem Bulrush occurs in fresh or brackish marshes, in lakes and ponds, along streams, and in roadside ditches. It can grow in water up to 1 meter deep. Soft Stem Bulrush is a perennial from a thick, creeping rhizome. Culms are cylindrical, erect, 3-9 feet in height, unbranched, glabrous, and sometimes glaucous. The culms are solid with spongy white pith laced with air cavities. There are 3-4 basal sheath-like leaves that lack blades. Flowers are produced in heads. The heads are arranged in drooping terminal panicles of 100-200 heads. There is one erect leaf-like bract at the inflorescence. The fruit is an achene. The seed of Soft Stem Bulrush are an important food for ducks and Muskrats feed on the stems and rhizomes. Dense stands provide cover for many species of animals. Soft Stem Bulrush is grown as an ornamental in pools and around ponds. It prefers full sun and shallow water. Under the right conditions it can spread aggressively. There are yellow or white variegated forms available in the horticultural trade.—A. Diamond

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Native OBL (NWPL)

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