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Native Plant Database

Search for native plants by scientific name, common name or family. If you are not sure what you are looking for, try the Combination Search or our Recommended Species lists.

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Schoenoplectus robustus (Sturdy bulrush)
Cliffe, Harry

Schoenoplectus robustus (Pursh) M.T. Strong

Sturdy bulrush, Leafy Three-square

Cyperaceae (Sedge Family)

Synonyms: Scirpus robustus

USDA Symbol: scro5

USDA Native Status: Native to U.S.

Reddish-tan, ovoid to cylindrical spikelets clustered closely against a sharply triangular stem.

Three-squares are an important group of sedges for wildlife. Their seeds are among the most common foods of ducks and marsh birds. Their stems and roots are eaten by muskrats and geese, and they provide cover for many birds and animals. The larger marsh species Olney Three-square (S. americanus) reaches a height of 10 (3 m); its small spikelets are all gathered along one side of the stalk near the top.

 

From the Image Gallery

Plant Characteristics

Duration: Perennial
Habit: Grass/Grass-like
Leaf: Green
Flower:
Fruit:

Bloom Information

Bloom Color: Red
Bloom Time: Jul , Aug , Sep , Oct

Distribution

USA: AL , AR , CA , CT , DE , FL , GA , LA , MA , MD , ME , MS , NC , NH , NJ , NY , PA , RI , SC , TX , VA , VT
Canada: NB , NS
Native Distribution: Maine and Nova Scotia south to Florida and west to Texas.
Native Habitat: Brackish, coastal marshes.
USDA Native Status: L48(N), CAN(N)

Growing Conditions

Water Use: High
Light Requirement: Sun
Soil Moisture: Wet
CaCO3 Tolerance: Medium

Wildflower Center Seed Bank

LBJWC-1261 Collected 2013-02-17 in Brazoria County by Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center

Recommended Species Lists

Find native plant species by state. Each list contains commercially available species suitable for gardens and planned landscapes. Once you have selected a collection, you can browse the collection or search within it using the combination search.

View Recommended Species page

Additional resources

USDA: Find Schoenoplectus robustus in USDA Plants
FNA: Find Schoenoplectus robustus in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Schoenoplectus robustus

Metadata

Record Modified: 2010-10-03
Research By: TWC Staff

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