Water Bulrush

Scirpus subterminalis

Physical Characteristics

Scirpus subterminalis is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.6 m (2ft). The seeds ripen from July to August. 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

N. America - Newfoundland to Alaska, south to South Carolina, Pennsylvania, Michigan and Idaho.

Habitats

Pond; Bog Garden;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Pollen Root Seed Stem Edible Uses: Root - raw or cooked[172]. Rich in starch. The plant sometimes forms fleshy terminal tubers up to 3mm thick[270]. The rhizomes are about 1mm thich[270]. Stem. Peeled and eaten raw or cooked[172]. Stem base - raw or cooked[172]. Pollen[172]. Rich in protein, it can be added to flour when making bread, cakes etc. Seed. A nutty flavour[172]. The seed is rather small and fiddly to harvest and utilize.

Medicinal Uses

None known

Known Hazards

None known