Scirpus acutus, commonly known as tule or hardstem bulrush, is a perennial sedge native to freshwater marshes, wetlands, and riparian zones across North America. It typically grows 3 to 10 feet tall and features thick, rounded green stems. The inflorescences are composed of pale brownish spikelets that appear in summer, though they are not particularly showy. Tules form dense stands that are crucial for shoreline stabilization and erosion control within their native habitat.

Tule is valued for its ecological importance, especially in wetland restoration projects where it provides essential habitat for wildlife, including the endangered giant garter snake. It is also historically significant, as indigenous peoples utilized tules for crafting various items. In cultivation, tule thrives in full sun to part shade, requires consistent moisture or even standing water, and prefers soils with slow to medium drainage. While it is generally low-maintenance, it can spread aggressively if conditions are ideal, so care should be taken to manage its growth in smaller landscapes.CC BY-SA 4.0