Creeping Bulrush

(Scirpus radicans)

Creeping Bulrush (Scirpus radicans)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Scirpus radicans, commonly known as Creeping Bulrush, is a perennial herbaceous plant native to a variety of wetland habitats including marshes, fens, wet meadows, and along the margins of ponds and streams across a wide range from Europe to Japan. It typically forms dense colonies with its creeping rhizomes. The plant usually grows to a height of 20-60 cm (8-24 inches) and spreads indefinitely in width through its rhizomes. Scirpus radicans has narrow, grass-like leaves and produces small, brownish spikelets of flowers in the summer months. The flowers are not particularly showy, but they do provide a naturalistic aesthetic in wetland plantings.

Creeping Bulrush is valued for its ability to stabilize soil and filter water, making it an excellent choice for riparian restoration projects, constructed wetlands, and water gardens. It thrives in full sun to part shade and prefers wet, poorly drained soils. While it is not commonly used in traditional ornamental gardens due to its spreading nature, it is an important plant for ecological gardening and habitat creation. Gardeners should be aware that in smaller water features or confined spaces, Scirpus radicans can become invasive and may require management to control its spread.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Grass
  • Height: 3-6 feet
  • Width: 1-3 feet
  • Growth Rate: Moderate
  • Flower Color: N/A
  • Flowering Season: Summer
  • Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
  • Water: Medium, High
  • Drainage: Slow, Standing

Common Uses

Erosion Control, Low Maintenance, Water Garden

Natural Habitat

Variety of wetland habitats including marshes, fens, wet meadows, and along the margins of ponds and streams

Other Names

Common Names: Greater Bulrush

Scientific Names: , Scirpus radicans, Cyperus radicans, Nemocharis radicans, Nemocharis radicans, Scirpus hokkaidoensis, Scirpus radicans var. maior, Scirpus radicans var. maior, Scirpus sylvaticus, Scirpus sylvaticus f. radicans

GBIF Accepted Name: