American Bur Reed

Other Common Names:

(Sparganium americanum)

Native

Bur Reed is a tall grass like plant with distinctive prickly looking flowers.

Description

Bur reed can grow two to six feet tall with alternating blade shaped leaves along a central stem. Leaves are medium green, smooth, and keeled on one side. The leaves can grow up to one inch wide, are flat on top and taller than the flower. Bur reeds have distinct spherical flowers that are prickly in appearance, typically blooming May through August. These bur like flower clusters are near the top of a large stalk, spaced apart slightly, and approximately one inch in diameter. Flowers are green at first and turn brown with age.

Location

American bur reed can be found across the United States.

Propagation

seeds, roots