How to Grow and Care for Bulrush

The softstem bulrush (Schoenoplectus tabernaemontani) is a sedge found in or near water in many places around the world. It provides nesting cover for waterbirds and food for muskrats. It is useful for erosion control and habitat restoration. Indigenous tribes wove the leaves and stalks into bags and fine mats.

Despite the name, Schoenoplectus californicus doesn't grow only in California. On the contrary, this tall california bulrush occurs in wetlands across all of southern North America, as well as South America. It's a vigorous grower that produces flowers from spring to summer, and it's often used to prevent soil erosion.

The common clubrush (Schoenoplectus lacustris) grows in freshwater areas in Europe and neighboring regions of Asia and North Africa. Its leaves can be as high as 1 m.

Hardstem tule (Schoenoplectus acutus) is a large species of sedge that grows in marshes, mountain meadows, wet grasslands, and plains grasslands of North America, often forming monocultures in its marsh habitats. Hardstem tule has an important ecological role at shorelines, as it helps buffer against wind and water, fighting erosion.

Sharp clubrush (Schoenoplectus americanus) is a very useful grass that has been used by various Native American peoples for basket and hat weaving. It is a salt-tolerant wetland species that is very effective at revegetating these saline habitats. This useful plant is an important food source for muskrats and snow geese.