Hard Stem Bulrush (Scirpus acutus)

Hard Stem Bulrush (Scirpus acutus)
Wikimedia Commons — Britton, N.L., and A. Brown. 1913. An illustrated flora of the northern United States, Canada and the British Possessions. 3 vols. Charles Scribner's Sons, New York. Vol. 1: 332. Courtesy of Kentucky Native Plant Society. Scanned by Omnitek Inc. — Public domain

At a glance

Lifecycle
Perennial (hardy)
Exposure
Full sun

Cultivation

We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain, though judging by its native range it should succeed outdoors in most parts of this country. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. Succeeds in any wet to moisture retentive ground, pond margins and shallow water in full sun or shade.

Propagation

Seed - sow in a cold frame as soon as it is ripe in a pot standing in 3cm of water. Only just cover the seed with soil. The seed usually germinates fairly quickly. Prick out the plants when large enough to handle and plant out in their permanent positions in early summer. Division in spring. Very easy, larger divisions can be planted out direct into their permanent positions. We have found it best to pot up the smaller divisions and grow them on in a lightly shaded position in a cold frame, planting them out once they are well established in the summer.

Edible uses

Root - raw or cooked. Pollen. Rich in protein, it can be added to flour when making bread, cakes etc. Seed. Small and fiddly to utilize. White stem bases and tender young shoots - raw or cooked. The inner portions of the stems can be eaten raw.

Medicinal uses

The stem pith is haemostatic. The roots have been chewed as a preventative to thirst.

Material uses

A fibre obtained from the stems is used for making paper. The stems and leaves are used for weaving or sewing together into hats, mats, mattresses etc. The stems have been used in basket making.

Habitat

Marshes, shores and pond margins in water up to 1 metre deep.

Native range

N. America - Canada and southwards.

Scientific synonyms Schoenoplectiella mucronata

Same genus