Bur-Reed, American bur-reed
Sparganium americanum
Family: Sparganiaceae
What it is like
Sparganium americanum is a PERENNIAL growing to 1 m (3ft 3in). 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
Where it is found
Muddy or peaty shores and shallow water. Shores and shallow neutral-to-alkaline waters, sometimes forming large stands; from sea level to 800 metres.
Eastern N. America - Nova Scotia and Ontario to Iowa, South Carolina and Oklahoma.
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: 0-0
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: Semi-shade, no shade
Moisture: Wet, water