This native perennial grows up to 5 feet tall on stout, triangular stems (culms). The leaves are up to 1 inch wide. Slender, leaf-like bracts are found just below the spherical clusters of spikelets (D). The clusters appear yellowish green in bloom (B,E), red-brown later on (D) .
Near water along streams, lakes and marshes. Uncommon in Fontenelle Forest along South Stream Trail. Uncommon at Neale Woods along Missouri River Ecology Trail. Flowers appear in May and June.
The above description applies to two very similar species that are very difficult to tell apart. The spikelet clusters of Pale Bulrush (Scirpus pallidus) are up to 1/2 inch in diameter. Those of Dark-green Bulrush (Scirpus atrovirens) are usually about half that size.
The content of NatureSearch is provided by dedicated volunteer Naturalists of Fontenelle Forest who strive to provide the most accurate information available. Contributors of the images retain their copyrights. The point of contact for this page is: Neal Ratzlaff.