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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: Perennial
Habit: Grass/Grass-like
Leaf: Green
Flower:
Size Class: 3-6 ft.

Bloom Information

Bloom Color: Green
Bloom 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 , WY
Canada: 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: Medium
Light 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 Available
Seed 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 Plants
FNA: Find Schoenoplectus maritimus in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Schoenoplectus maritimus

Metadata

Record Modified: 2007-01-01
Research By: TWC Staff

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