Blackgirdle Bulrush
Scirpus atrocinctus
- Native to:
- Canada, Labrador, Prince Edward I., United States
jillllybean (www.flickr.com)
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Cyperaceae
- Genus:
- Scirpus
- Species:
- Scirpus atrocinctus
- USDA Symbol:
- SCAT4
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Graminoid
- Height:
- 150 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)
Keystone Species Ranking
- Caterpillar Keystone:
- ★★☆☆☆ Butterfly & moth species supported by this genus (NWF)
Host Plant for Caterpillars
buttoned snout moth (Ledaea perditalis), Meropleon diversicolor, Dion Skipper (Euphyes dion), Eyed Brown (Satyrodes eurydice)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- waterfowl, songbirds, small mammals
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
- Fire Ecology:
- Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
- Fire Notes:
- Resprouts from rhizomes following fire; fire can help control woody encroachment in wetland margins.
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- moist, fertile, organic-rich soil
- pH:
- 5.5 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- tolerates poor drainage
- Moisture:
- consistently moist
- Notes:
- commonly found in wetlands and marshes
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days
- Germination Time:
- 14–30 days
- Notes:
- Seeds germinate best with consistent moisture and cool temperatures. Light may enhance germination.
The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI