Sparganium fluctuans, commonly known as Floating Bur-Reed, is a perennial herb native to shallow freshwater habitats such as marshes, ponds, and slow-moving streams across North America. It is often found in the water or along the water’s edge, where it forms dense colonies. This aquatic plant typically has a height of 1-3 feet (0.3-0.9 meters) and spreads through rhizomes to form extensive mats. Floating Bur-Reed is characterized by its simple, erect stems and spherical flower heads that are greenish-white and bloom in the summer. The flowers are not particularly showy, but they do provide ecological benefits to wetland wildlife.

Floating Bur-Reed is valued for its ability to stabilize shorelines and provide habitat for aquatic organisms. It is used in naturalized water gardens, for erosion control, and in wetland restoration projects. This plant prefers full sun to part shade and thrives in wet, muddy soils. It is relatively low maintenance but may require management to prevent excessive spread in smaller water features. While generally disease-free, it can become invasive if not controlled, potentially outcompeting native species in natural water bodies.CC BY-SA 4.0