Species Factsheets
Schoenoplectus subterminalis
Water Bulrush
State Status: N
PBS Status: Pennsylvania Rare (PR)
Federal Status:
Global Rank: G4G5
rank interpretation
State Rank: S3
Description
Water Bulrush is a grass-like plant that forms patches in shallow water due to its wide-spreading underground stems, or rhizomes. The plant may be completely submersed when in a vegetative state, and then has very narrow linear leaves that are mainly attached near the base of the plant and are extremely limp when removed from the water. If and when the plant flowers and fruits, an erect aerial stem is produced that may grow 1-3 feet (to 1 m) in height and protrudes out of the water. The flowers, appearing from July to September, are minute and are grouped in a single cluster that is about 7-12 mm in length that is located just below what appears to be the tip of the stem (actually the tip of an erect leaf that subtends the tip of the stem). The individual fruit is brownish, three-sided at maturity, about 3 mm in length, has 6 slender bristles attached at the base, and a prominent beak at the tip.
Rank Justification
Vulnerable in the nation or state due to a restricted range, relatively few populations (often 80 or fewer), recent and widespread declines, or other factors making it vulnerable to extirpation.
Habitat
It grows in lakes, ponds, and slow-moving streams.
Survey Dates
Fruits July - September
Distribution
Water Bulrush has a transcontinental range across the cooler regions of North America. In Pennsylvania, it is considered a northerly species and has been documented historically in mostly the northeastern counties.
Management
The viability of populations of Water Bulrush and its habitat may be enhanced by creating buffers and protecting the natural hydrology around wetlands, controlling invasive species, and avoiding the indiscriminate use of aquatic herbicides.
Conservation Status Map
NatureServe. 2017. NatureServe Explorer: An online encyclopedia of life [web application]. Version 7.1. NatureServe, Arlington, Virginia. Available https://explorer.natureserve.org.
- NatureServe. 2018. NatureServe Explorer: An online encyclopedia of life [web application]. Version 7.1. NatureServe, Arlington, Virginia. Available at https://www.natureserve.org/explorer
- Pennsylvania Natural Heritage Program. 2018.
- Rhoads, A.F. and W.M. Klein, Jr. 1993. The Vascular Flora of Pennsylvania. American Philosophical Society, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Rhoads, A.F. and T.A. Block.
- 2007. The Plants of Pennsylvania: An Illustrated Manual. 2nd edition. University of Pennsylvania Press, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
