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Summary
Physical Characteristics
Scirpus lacustris is a PERENNIAL growing to 2.5 m (8ft 2in).
It is hardy to zone (UK) 4. It is in flower from June to August, and the seeds ripen from August to September. 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: acid, neutral and basic (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
Schoenoplectus lacustris. (L.)Pallas.
Habitats
Pond; Bog Garden;
Edible Uses
Edible Parts: Leaves Pollen Root Seed Stem
Edible Uses:
Root - raw or cooked[2, 85, 95, 183]. Rich in starch, it can be dried and ground into a powder or made into a syrup[13, 85, 95, 183]. The buds at the end of the rhizomes are crisp and sweet, making excellent eating raw[183]. Young shoots - raw or cooked[85, 183]. Used in spring. Seed - ground up into a powder and mixed with flour for use in making cakes etc[85, 183]. The seed is small and rather fiddly to harvest and utilize. Base of mature stems - raw or cooked. Somewhat tough[85]. Pollen - raw or cooked. Rich in pollen, it is mixed with flour and used in making cakes etc[85, 183].
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.
Astringent Cancer Diuretic
The roots are astringent and diuretic[240]. They were formerly employed medicinally but have fallen into disuse[4]. This plant is a traditional medicine for cancer[218].
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Other Uses
Paper Thatching Weaving
The stems are frequently used for making matting, chair bottoms etc and thatching[1, 4, 23, 85, 100, 115]. They were at one time imported in large quantities for this purpose[4]. The pith of the stems is used in paper making[100].
Cultivation details
Succeeds in any wet to moisture retentive soil, pond margins and shallow water in full sun or shade[1, 200]. Plants can succeed in fairly deep water. Hardy to about -25°c[187]. Some named forms have been selected for their ornamental value[187].
Temperature Converter
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The PFAF Bookshop
Plants For A Future have a number of books available in paperback and digital form. Book titles include Edible Plants, Edible Perennials, Edible Trees, and Woodland Gardening. Our new book to be released soon is Edible Shrubs.
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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
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 :
Expert comment
Author
L.
Botanical References
17200
Links / References
For a list of references used on this page please go here
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