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Scirpus microcarpus - C.Presl.

Common Name Panicled Bulrush
Family Cyperaceae
USDA hardiness Coming soon
Known Hazards None known
Habitats Wet low ground in lowlands to moderate elevations in the mountains[60]. Marshes, moist meadows and ditches from sea level to 2900 metres[270].
Range Western N. America.
Edibility Rating    (3 of 5)
Other Uses    (1 of 5)
Weed Potential No
Medicinal Rating    (1 of 5)
Care (info)
Moist Soil Wet Soil Water Plants Semi-shade Full sun
Scirpus microcarpus Panicled Bulrush


www.fws.gov
Scirpus microcarpus Panicled Bulrush
USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database / Britton, N.L., and A. Brown. 1913. An illustrated flora of the northern United States, Canada and the British Possessions. 3 vols. Charles Scribner's Sons, New York. Vol. 1

 

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Summary


Physical Characteristics

 icon of manicon of flower
Scirpus microcarpus is a PERENNIAL growing to 1.5 m (5ft). The seeds ripen from June to July. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Wind.
Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist or wet soil and can grow in water.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

Scirpus rubrotinctus

Habitats

 Pond; Bog Garden;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Pollen  Root  Seed  Stem
Edible Uses:

Root - raw or cooked[172]. Rich in starch. Stem. Peeled and eaten raw or cooked[172]. Stem base - raw or cooked[172]. Pollen[172]. Rich in protein, it can be added to flour when making bread, cakes etc. Seed. A nutty flavour[172]. The seed is rather small and fiddly to harvest and utilize.

References   More on Edible Uses

Medicinal Uses

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.
Poultice  Skin

A poultice of the pounded roots has been used as a treatment for abscesses[257]. An infusion of the plant, combined with blue flag (Iris spp), has been used as a gargle for sore throats[257].

References   More on Medicinal Uses

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Other Uses

Basketry

The leaves have been used in the bottom portion of baskets[257].

Special Uses

References   More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain, though judging by its native range it should succeed outdoors in most parts of this country. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. Succeeds in any wet to moisture retentive ground, pond margins and shallow water in full sun or shade[200].

References   Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

Temperature Converter

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Propagation

Seed - sow in a cold frame as soon as it is ripe in a pot standing in 3cm of water. Only just cover the seed with soil[200]. The seed usually germinates fairly quickly. Prick out the plants when large enough to handle and plant out in their permanent positions in early summer. Division in spring. Very easy, larger divisions can be planted out direct into their permanent positions. We have found it best to pot up the smaller divisions and grow them on in a lightly shaded position in a cold frame, planting them out once they are well established in the summer.

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

Native Plant Search

Search over 900 plants ideal for food forests and permaculture gardens. Filter to search native plants to your area. The plants selected are the plants in our book 'Plants For Your Food Forest: 500 Plants for Temperate Food Forests and Permaculture Gardens, as well as plants chosen for our forthcoming related books for Tropical/Hot Wet Climates and Mediterranean/Hot Dry Climates. Native Plant Search

Found In

Countries where the plant has been found are listed here if the information is available

Weed Potential

Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section. Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so it’s worth checking.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :

Related Plants
Latin NameCommon NameHabitHeightHardinessGrowthSoilShadeMoistureEdibleMedicinalOther
Scirpus acutusHard Stem BulrushPerennial2.0 - FLMHSNMWeWa312
Scirpus affinis Perennial0.6 -  LMHSNMWeWa202
Scirpus americanusAmerican BulrushPerennial0.6 -  LMHSNMWeWa202
Scirpus caldwellii Perennial1.5 -  LMHSNM00 
Scirpus cyperinusWoolly Grass Bulrush, WoolgrassPerennial1.5 6-9  LMHSNMWeWa101
Scirpus fluviatilisRiver BulrushPerennial2.0 -  LMHSNMWeWa211
Scirpus lacustrisBulrushPerennial2.5 4-8  LMHSNMWeWa312
Scirpus litoralisBulrushPerennial0.0 0-0  LMHSNM00 
Scirpus maritimusSeaside Bulrush. Cosmopolitan BulrushPerennial1.0 5-9  LMHNMWeWa312
Scirpus medianus Perennial2.0 -  LMHSNM00 
Scirpus nevadensisNevada BulrushPerennial0.3 -  LMHSNMWeWa201
Scirpus paludosusBayonet GrassPerennial0.5 -  LMHSNMWeWa20 
Scirpus subterminalisWater BulrushPerennial0.6 -  LMHSNMWeWa20 
Scirpus ternatus Perennial1.0 -  LMHSNMWeWa10 
Scirpus validusRiver Club-RushPerennial1.5 6-9  LMHSNMWeWa211
Scirpus validus creberSoft-Stem BulrushPerennial1.5 6-9  LMHSNMWeWa211

Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.

 

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Botanical References

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