Soft-Stem Bulrush

Scirpus validus creber

Physical Characteristics

Scirpus validus creber is a PERENNIAL growing to 1.5 m (5ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7. It is in flower 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 - all areas except the extreme north.

Habitats

Pond; Bog Garden;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves Pollen Root Seed Shoots Edible Uses: Root - raw or cooked[159, 161, 172, 183]. Rich in starch. The bruised young roots, when boiled in water, furnish a sweet syrup[183]. The rhizomes are 3 - 10mm in diameter[270]. Young shoots - cooked[55, 62, 85, 183]. The tender base of the stem is eaten raw in salads[183]. The pollen is used in soups or mixed with flour and used in making bread[177, 183]. It is rich in protein. Seed[62, 85, 159, 183]. No further details are given but it is probably ground into a powder and used in making bread etc. Small and rather fiddly to harvest and utilize.

Medicinal Uses

Astringent Diuretic The root is astringent and diuretic[152].

Known Hazards

None known