Schoenoplectus americanus, commonly known as chairmaker’s bulrush or Olney’s three-square bulrush, is a rhizomatous perennial herb in the sedge family. It is native to a wide range of wetland habitats across the Americas, from Alaska to Nova Scotia and extending to southern South America. Its typical habitats include coastal marshes, freshwater wetlands, riverbanks, and lakeshores. It can grow to over two meters in height and is characterized by its triangular stems and brownish flower clusters that appear in the summer months.

Chairmaker’s bulrush is valued for its ability to stabilize soil and for its use in constructed wetlands for wastewater treatment. It is also used ornamentally in water gardens and naturalistic landscapes. This plant thrives in full sun but can tolerate partial shade. It requires wet or consistently moist soils and can even grow in water, making it suitable for pond edges and bog gardens. While it is generally low-maintenance, it can spread aggressively in ideal conditions, which should be managed to prevent unwanted dominance in a garden setting.CC BY-SA 4.0