Green Bulrush
Scirpus atrovirens
- Native to:
- Canada, United States, Virgin Islands
Jennifer Anderson. United States, IA, Scott Co., Davenport, Nahant Marsh. 2002.
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Cyperaceae
- Genus:
- Scirpus
- Species:
- Scirpus atrovirens
- USDA Symbol:
- SCAT2
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:
- greenish-brown
Wildlife Benefits
- Butterflies & Moths:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)
- Caterpillars:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)
Keystone Species Ranking
- Caterpillar Keystone:
- ★★☆☆☆ Butterfly & moth species supported by this genus (NWF)
Host Plant for Caterpillars
Aristotelia robusta, Elachista enitescens, Elachista madarella, 🛑Georgia Satyr (Neonympha areolata), 🛑Mitchell's Satyr (Neonympha mitchellii)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- birds, waterfowl, small mammals
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- rich, moisture-retentive clay or loam
- pH:
- 5.5 - 7.5 (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 after cold stratification; sow on moist soil surface and keep consistently wet.
Where to Buy
Nationwide Seller
- Sheffield's Seed (seeds)
- Pizzo Native Plant Nursery (wholesale nursery)
- Ernst Seeds (seeds)
- Ernst Seeds (seeds)
- Prairie Moon Nursery (nursery and seeds)
- Vermont Wildflower Farm (nursery and seeds)