River Bulrush
Bolboschoenus fluviatilis
- Native to:
- Australia, Canada, Mexico, New Caledonia, New Zealand, Norfolk Is., United States
Robert H. Mohlenbrock. USDA SCS. 1989. Midwest wetland flora: Field office illustrated guide to plant species. Midwest National Technical Center, Lincoln. Courtesy of USDA NRCS Wetland Science Institute.
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Cyperaceae
- Genus:
- Bolboschoenus
- Species:
- Bolboschoenus fluviatilis
- USDA Symbol:
- BOFL3
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Graminoid
- Height:
- 120 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- Low
- Bloom Months:
- jun,jul,aug
- Bloom Colors:
- brown
Wildlife Benefits
- Caterpillars:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)
Host Plant for Caterpillars
Bactra maiorina
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- waterfowl, shorebirds, muskrats
- Salt Tolerant:
- Yes
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- rich, waterlogged, silty or clay soil
- pH:
- 6.0 - 8.0 (neutral to slightly alkaline)
- Drainage:
- tolerates poor drainage
- Moisture:
- consistently moist to waterlogged
- Notes:
- commonly found in wetlands and riverbanks
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days
- Germination Time:
- 7–21 days
- Notes:
- Seeds germinate best in saturated soil or shallow standing water. Light may enhance germination.
The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI
Pre-treatment: Seeds were cold stratified for 180 days
Source: npn.rngr.net