Taxonomy

Division:

Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants

Family:

Cyperaceae

Genus:

Schoenoplectus

Species:

Schoenoplectus americanus

USDA Symbol:

SCAM6

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:

Perennial

Growth Habit:

Graminoid

Height:

200 cm

Light Requirements:

Full Sun

Drought Tolerance:

Low

Bloom Months:

jun,jul,aug,sep

Bloom Colors:

brown, green

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:

waterfowl, shorebirds, muskrats, fish

Deer Resistant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Fire Ecology:

Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire

Fire Notes:

Resprouts vigorously from rhizomes following fire. Fire can help control competing vegetation in wetland margins.

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:

sandy, nutrient-rich, poorly-drained soil

pH:

5.5 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)

Drainage:

tolerates poor drainage

Moisture:

consistently moist

Notes:

Commonly found in marshes and wetlands

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:

Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days

Germination Time:

14–30 days

Notes:

Seeds germinate best in moist to saturated conditions with warm temperatures. Light may improve germination.