Bulrush

Scirpus lacustris

Basic Information

Family: Cyperaceae

Genus: scirpus

Plant ID (slug): scirpus-lacustris

Numeric ID: 24373

USDA Hardiness: 4-8

Ratings

Physical Characteristics

Scirpus lacustris is a PERENNIAL growing to 2.5 m (8ft 2in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 4. It is in flower from June to August, and the seeds ripen from August to September. 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. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist or wet soil and can grow in water.

Distribution

Europe, incl Britain, south and east from Lapland to Africa and Asia. N. and C. America, Polynesia.

Habitats

Pond; Bog Garden;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves Pollen Root Seed Shoots Stem Edible Uses: Root - raw or cooked[2, 85, 95, 183]. Rich in starch, it can be dried and ground into a powder or made into a syrup[13, 85, 95, 183]. The buds at the end of the rhizomes are crisp and sweet, making excellent eating raw[183]. Young shoots - raw or cooked[85, 183]. Used in spring. Seed - ground up into a powder and mixed with flour for use in making cakes etc[85, 183]. The seed is small and rather fiddly to harvest and utilize. Base of mature stems - raw or cooked. Somewhat tough[85]. Pollen - raw or cooked. Rich in pollen, it is mixed with flour and used in making cakes etc[85, 183].

Medicinal Uses

Astringent Cancer Diuretic The roots are astringent and diuretic[240]. They were formerly employed medicinally but have fallen into disuse[4]. This plant is a traditional medicine for cancer[218].