hardstem bulrush
Schoenoplectus acutus
USDA zones3 to 7
SunNeeds full sun (6+ hours)
WaterHandles moist to wet soil
Sizeup to 10 feet tall
- Habit
- Grass/grass-like
- Bloom season
- Spring, summer, autumn
- Bloom color
- Green
- Foliage color
- Green
Notes
Hardstem bulrush (Schoenoplectus acutus) is a grass for shoreline planting, pond edges, and wet meadows. It is hardy to USDA zone 3, or down to -40°F (-40°C). This plant likes full sun and moist to wet soil. Its stout stems stand erect and can reach 10 feet tall. Reddish-brown spikelets form stiff clusters at the top. It tolerates alkaline soil and protects shorelines well.
Pairs well with Broadleaf arrowhead, Broadleaf cattail, Tussock sedge, and Interrupted fern.
Native range
AK, AR, CO, CT, and 34 more places. See all 38
AK, AR, CO, CT, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, MA, ME, MI, MN, MO, MT, NC, ND, NE, NH, NJ, NM, NY, OH, OK, PA, RI, SD, TX, UT, VA, VT, WA, WI, WV, WY; BC, NB, NS, and PE.