Branching Bur-Reed
Sparganium androcladum

Family: Sparganiaceae

What it is like

Sparganium androcladum is a PERENNIAL growing to 1.2 m (4ft). It is in flower from June to August. The species is monoecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but both sexes can be found on the same plant) and is pollinated by Wind. It is noted for attracting wildlife. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers wet soil and can grow in water.

Height (m): 1.2

Where it is found

Muddy or peaty shores, swamps and shallow water. Shores and shallow, quiet, circumneutral waters from sea level to 800 metres.

Eastern N. America - Newfoundland to Minnesota, Florida and Louisiana.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 1

Root - cooked. Stem base - cooked.

Root: includes bulbs, corms, tubers, rhizomes etc.

Stem: this often intergrades into leaves.

Medicine

Rating: 0

Other

Rating:

Attracts Wildlife: Plants noted for attracting wildlife

How it is grown

We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain, though judging by its native range it should succeed outdoors in many parts of the country. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. A plant of wet ground, it should be grown in a bog garden or in shallow water up to 30cm deep. Requires a rich soil. Tolerates some shade.

Propagating it: Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a pot in the greenhouse. Stand the pots in 2 - 3cm of water. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and gradually increase the depth of water as the plants grow until it is about level with the tops of the pots. Plant them out in the summer if they have grown sufficiently, otherwise plant them out in the following spring. Division in spring or autumn. Larger divisions can be planted out direct into their permanent positions. We have found it best to pot up the smaller divisions and grow them on in a lightly shaded position in a cold frame, planting them out once they are well established in the summer.

Best place to grow: Pond; Bog Garden;

Habit: Perennial

Hardiness:

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: Semi-shade, no shade

Moisture: Wet, water

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Sparganium lucidum Fernald & Eames