Alkali Bulrush

Scirpus maritimus
Wetland Erosion Control

Alkali Bulrush - Alkali Bulrush

Out of Stock


Height Range: 48 - 60 inches

Alkali bulrush is a native perennial, heavily rhizomatous, obligate, wetland plant that may reach 60 inches in height and can form dense stands. Also known as cosmopolitan bulrush, it is found in areas with saturated soils including marshes, transient wet spots, pond margins, streams and mud flats at low to mid elevations from 2,800 to 6900 ft. above sea level. It is often found growing in association with other salt tolerant wetland species such as iodine bush,inland saltgrass, and seepweed.

It forms large dense stands in alkaline or saline sites. It can handle a pH of up to 9.0 and will grow on soils from fine clay to silt loam to sand. Alkali bulrush can survive periods of total inundation of up to 3 ft. deep. It tends to spread and reproduce when the water table is within 4 in. of the surface. It can occur in freshwater sites, but is usually a pioneering species that will be replaced over time. Alkali bulrush will provide protection from wind and wave erosion especially for newly exposed soil. The rhizomes form a matrix for many beneficial bacteria making this plant an excellent choice for wastewater treatment constructed wetlands.

This species is not very palatable for livestock or big game.  Muskrats and beaver eat rootstocks and young shoots, while using the shoots for buildingmaterials.  Waterfowl eat the seed and utilize the stems for nesting.  

 Image courtesy of: USDA, NRCS. 2015. The PLANTS Database (http://plants.usda.gov, 16 February 2015). National Plant Data Team, Greensboro, NC 27401-4901 USA.