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Bolboschoenus maritimus
Bolboschoenus maritimus (L.) Palla
Alkali Bulrush, Bayonet Grass, Cosmopolitan Bulrush, Prairie Bulrush, Saltmarsh Club-rush
Cyperaceae (Sedge Family)
Synonym(s): Bolboschoenus paludosus, Schoenoplectus maritimus, Scirpus fernaldii, Scirpus maritimus, Scirpus maritimus var. fernaldii, Scirpus maritimus var. paludosus, Scirpus pacificus, Scirpus paludosus, Scirpus paludosus var. atlanticus
USDA Symbol: BOMA7
USDA Native Status: L48 (N), AK (N), HI (N), CAN (NI)
Saltmarsh club-rush or alkali bulrush is a rhizomatous perennial, 16-40 in. tall. The grass-like leaves have reddish-purple bases. Small, brown, terminal spikes occur in a rounded, compact, terminal cluster. This cluster may be surpassed by additional clusters on short pecuncles. Leafy bracts extend beyond the clusters.
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Plant Characteristics
Duration: PerennialHabit: Grass/Grass-like
Leaf: Green
Flower:
Size Class: 3-6 ft.
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: GreenBloom Time: Jul , Aug
Distribution
USA: AK , AZ , CA , CO , CT , HI , IA , ID , IL , KS , LA , MA , ME , MI , MN , MO , MT , ND , NE , NH , NJ , NM , NV , NY , OK , OR , PA , RI , SD , TX , UT , VA , VT , WA , WYCanada: BC , NB , NS , PE
Native Distribution: Scattered throughout temperate N. America; more common along seacoasts
Native Habitat: Marshes; water body margins; wet, alkali & saline meadows
Growing Conditions
Water Use: MediumLight Requirement: Sun
Soil Moisture: Wet
CaCO3 Tolerance: Medium
Soil Description: Wet, saline or alkaline soil.
Conditions Comments: Plants of w. and c. U.S. often belong to var. paludosus. The more eastern var. maritimus varies only slightly in physical characteristics.
Propagation
Description: Not AvailableSeed Collection: Not Available
Seed Treatment: Not Available
Commercially Avail: yes
Find Seed or Plants
View propagation protocol from Native Plants Network.
Additional resources
USDA: Find Schoenoplectus maritimus in USDA PlantsFNA: Find Schoenoplectus maritimus in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Schoenoplectus maritimus
Metadata
Record Modified: 2007-01-01Research By: TWC Staff