Taxonomy

Division:

Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants

Family:

Cyperaceae

Genus:

Schoenoplectus

Species:

Schoenoplectus acutus

USDA Symbol:

SCAC3

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:

Perennial

Growth Habit:

Graminoid

Height:

300 cm

Light Requirements:

Full Sun

Drought Tolerance:

Low

Bloom Months:

jun,jul,aug,sep

Bloom Colors:

brown

Wildlife Benefits

Caterpillars:

★☆☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)

Host Plant for Caterpillars

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:

waterfowl, muskrats, songbirds

Deer Resistant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Fire Ecology:

Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire

Fire Notes:

Resprouts vigorously from rhizomes after fire; fire can help control accumulated dead material in wetland stands.

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:

rich, organic, waterlogged soil

pH:

5.5 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)

Drainage:

tolerates poor drainage

Moisture:

consistently moist to saturated

Notes:

Commonly found in marshes, swamps, and along shorelines.

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:

Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days

Germination Time:

14–30 days

Notes:

Seeds germinate best in saturated or shallowly flooded conditions with light exposure.