This perennial bulrush usually hangs over water with a smooth, round stem, up to 8 feet tall (D). But this stem is soft and easily crushed or bent; it is mostly hollow inside, reflecting its common name (E). The numerous reddish brown spikelets hang loosely on drooping peduncles (A); they are seen flowering in the close-up (B,C).
This year (2012) is the first recent one this species has grown along Stream Trail near the new bridge. Before that it grew along the southen shore of the Great Marsh, inaccessible to visitors.
Until recently this species was named Scirpus validus.
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: Roland Barth.