Giant Bur-Reed
(Sparganium eurycarpum)
Giant Bur-Reed (Sparganium eurycarpum)
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Nolan Exe
CC BY 4.0
Image By:
Nolan Exe
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Nolan Exe | License Type: CC BY 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ | Rights Holder: Nolan Exe | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2019-08-17T13:19:38-07:00 |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Sparganium eurycarpum, commonly known as Giant Bur-Reed, is a clonal perennial herb that thrives in wetland habitats, including marshes, fens, wet meadows, and the edges of ponds and lakes. It is native to North America, where it plays a role in stabilizing soil and providing habitat for wildlife. This plant typically grows to a height of 3-6 feet (0.9-1.8 meters) and spreads via below-ground rhizomes, forming dense colonies. The Giant Bur-Reed is characterized by its stout, erect stems and long, narrow leaves. The spherical clusters of fruits resemble a medieval mace, giving rise to its common name. The flowers are inconspicuous, with separate male and female flower clusters on the same plant; the male flowers are elevated above the female ones. Flowering occurs in the summer, and the plant is wind-pollinated. It produces large seeds that contribute to a seed bank in the soil.
Giant Bur-Reed is valued for its ability to colonize and stabilize wet areas, making it useful for erosion control and habitat restoration projects. It is also used in water gardens and naturalized plantings. In cultivation, it requires full sun to part shade and thrives in wet conditions, tolerating a range of soil drainage types. While it is not typically grown for ornamental purposes, its unique fruiting clusters can add interest to water features. Care should be taken as it can spread aggressively in ideal conditions.CC BY-SA 4.0
Giant Bur-Reed is valued for its ability to colonize and stabilize wet areas, making it useful for erosion control and habitat restoration projects. It is also used in water gardens and naturalized plantings. In cultivation, it requires full sun to part shade and thrives in wet conditions, tolerating a range of soil drainage types. While it is not typically grown for ornamental purposes, its unique fruiting clusters can add interest to water features. Care should be taken as it can spread aggressively in ideal conditions.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Herb
- Height: 4-6 feet
- Width: 1-3 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: Green
- Flowering Season: Winter, Spring
- Leaf Retention: Semi-Deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water: High
- Drainage: Slow, Medium, Fast
Common Uses
Bird Garden, Erosion Control, Low Maintenance, Water Garden
Natural Habitat
Wetland habitats, including marshes, fens, wet meadows, and the edges of ponds and lakes
Other Names
Common Names: Broad-Fruit Burr-Reed, Broadfruit Bur-Reed, Broadfruit Burreed, Broad-Fruited Burreed, Large Burreed, Large-Fruited Burreed, Simple-Stemmed Burreed, Rubanier À Gros Fruits
Scientific Names: , Sparganium eurycarpum,
GBIF Accepted Name: Sparganium eurycarpum Engelm.