River Bulrush

Scirpus fluviatilis

Basic Information

Family: Cyperaceae

Genus: scirpus

Plant ID (slug): scirpus-fluviatilis

Numeric ID: 25620

USDA Hardiness: Coming soon

Ratings

Physical Characteristics

Scirpus fluviatilis is a PERENNIAL growing to 2 m (6ft 7in). The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Wind. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in saline soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist or wet soil and can grow in water.

Distribution

E. Asia to N. America and Australia.

Habitats

Pond; Bog Garden;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Root Stem Edible Uses: The stems are peeled and eaten[177]. Root - raw or cooked. The roots form tubers at intervals along their length and new plants are formed from these tubers. When first formed, the tubers are white and starchy with a sweet coconut-milk flavour, they become black and woody with age[193]. Tubers can be up to 3cm in diameter[193].

Medicinal Uses

Contraceptive This plant was ranked 11th in a survey of 250 potential antifertility plants in China[218].