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Sparganium erectum - L.

Common Name Bur Reed, Simplestem bur-reed
Family Sparganiaceae
USDA hardiness 4-8
Known Hazards None known
Habitats Muddy or peaty shores and shallow water to 30cm deep, in ponds, ditches and ungrazed marshland[17, 24].
Range Found in most northern temperate regions, including Britain.
Edibility Rating    (2 of 5)
Other Uses    (0 of 5)
Weed Potential Yes
Medicinal Rating    (1 of 5)
Care (info)
Fully Hardy Wet Soil Water Plants Full shade Semi-shade Full sun
Sparganium erectum Bur Reed, Simplestem bur-reed


http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Dysmachus
Sparganium erectum Bur Reed, Simplestem bur-reed

 

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Summary


Physical Characteristics

 icon of manicon of flower
Sparganium erectum is a PERENNIAL growing to 1 m (3ft 3in) by 0.6 m (2ft).
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from June to August. The species is monoecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but both sexes can be found on the same plant) and is pollinated by Wind.
It is noted for attracting wildlife.
Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in full shade (deep woodland) semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers wet soil and can grow in water.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

S. eurycarpum. S. ramosum.

Habitats

 Pond; Bog Garden;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Root  Stem
Edible Uses:

Root - cooked[22, 46, 61. 105, 257]. A sweetish flavour[161]. Stem base - cooked[105, 161].

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.


An infusion of the whole plant, mixed with other plant leaves, has been used in the treatment of chills[257].

References   More on Medicinal Uses

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FOOD FOREST PLANTS

Other Uses

None known

Special Uses

Attracts Wildlife

References   More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

Grows in muddy ground or water up to 30cm deep[17, 24]. Requires a rich soil[56]. Tolerates some shade[200]. Tolerates deep shade[188]. An important autumn and winter food source for wild fowl.

References   Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

Temperature Converter

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Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a pot in the greenhouse. Stand the pots in 2 - 3cm of water. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and gradually increase the depth of water as the plants grow until it is about level with the tops of the pots[240]. Plant them out in the summer if they have grown sufficiently, otherwise plant them out in the following spring. Division in spring or autumn. 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

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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
Sparganium americanumBur-Reed, American bur-reedPerennial1.0 0-0  LMHSNWeWa10 
Sparganium androcladumBranching Bur-ReedPerennial1.2 -  LMHSNWeWa10 
Sparganium longifolium Perennial0.0 -  LMHSNWeWa10 
Sparganium stoloniferum Perennial0.0 -  LMHSNWeWa11 

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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Expert comment

Author

L.

Botanical References

17200

Links / References

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Subject : Sparganium erectum  
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