softstem bulrush
Schoenoplectus tabernaemontani
- Habit
- Grass/grass-like
- Bloom season
- Spring, summer, autumn, winter
- Bloom color
- Red
- Foliage color
- Green
- Soil types
- Loam, clay
- Soil pH
- Acid, alkaline, neutral
Garden uses
Attracts
Notes
Softstem bulrush (Schoenoplectus tabernaemontani) is a grass for borders, meadows, and low maintenance gardens. It is hardy to USDA zone 3, or down to -40°F (-40°C). This plant likes full sun and moist to wet, loamy or clay soil. It grows tall, with soft, light-green stems and drooping clusters of orange-brown spikelets. It tolerates alkaline soil, and it gives nesting cover to waterbirds. In a wet spot, it also buffers wind and waves so other aquatic plants can grow.
Pairs well with Blue flag, American blue vervain, and Lamp rush.
Native range
AK, AL, AR, AZ, and 47 more places. See all 51
AK, AL, AR, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, HI, IA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, MS, MT, NC, ND, NE, NH, NJ, NM, NV, NY, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, VT, WA, WI, WV, and WY.