Woolly Grass Bulrush, Woolgrass
Scirpus cyperinus

Family: Cyperaceae

What it is like

Scirpus cyperinus is a PERENNIAL growing to 1.5 m (5ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7. It is in flower from August to September, and the seeds ripen from August to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Wind. 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 moist or wet soil and can grow in water.

Height (m): 1.5

Where it is found

Wet low ground. Swamps. Marshes, moist meadows, ditches, shallow ponds, frequently growing in disturbed areas from sea level to 800 metres.

Eastern N. America - Newfoundland to Saskatchewan, south to Florida and Louisiana.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 1

Seed - cooked. Used as a rice substitute.

Seed: includes nuts, cereals, peas and beans.

Medicine

Rating: 0

Other

Rating:

The stems are woven to make matting and ropes. The small rushes have been used in making woven mats and storage bags. The fruiting tops of the plant have been used as a resilient material for stuffing and making pillows.

Stuffing: Used in making soft toys, mattresses, pillows etc.

Weaving: Items such as grass and palm leaves that are woven together for making mats, baskets etc. See also Basket making and Fibre.

How it is grown

Succeeds in any wet to moisture retentive ground, pond margins and shallow water in full sun or shade. A polymorphic species.

Propagating it: Seed - sow in a cold frame as soon as it is ripe in a pot standing in 3cm of water. Only just cover the seed with soil. The seed usually germinates fairly quickly. Prick out the plants when large enough to handle and plant out in their permanent positions in early summer. Division in spring. Very easy, 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: 6-9

Growth:

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

Shade: Semi-shade, no shade

Moisture: Moist, wet, water

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Scirpus eriophorum. Scirpus rubricosus