Flowering Rush, Grassy rush, Water gladiolus
Butomus umbellatus
Family: Butomaceae
What it is like
A rush which grows 1.5 m tall and spreads 75 cm wide. It has underground stems or rhizomes. The leaves are long, pointed and dark green. They can be 1 m long and 1.3 cm wide and twisted. The base is triangle shaped forming a sheath. The flowers are borne in umbels. The flower stalks are round and in the axils of leaves. They can be 1.5 m high. The flowers are reddish-white.
There is only one Butomus species. There is only one genus in the Butomaceae family. It can become invasive.
Where it is found
It is a temperate plant. It grows in shallow water in ditches and along the edges of rivers. It does best in mud or shallow water no deeper than 8-13 cm. It is damaged by drought and frost. It suits hardiness zones 5-9.
Countries/locations it is found in
Afghanistan, Africa, Asia, Australia, Balkans, Bosnia, Britain, Canada, Central Asia, China, Europe (country/location of origin), Finland, France, Hungary, India, Ireland, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Luxembourg, Mongolia, North Africa, North America, Norway, Pakistan, Romania, Russia, Scandinavia, Tajikistan, USA, Uzbekistan
How it is used for food
The root/rhizome is washed, steamed, sun-dried then baked or made into flour. It is eaten as a vegetable or with other grain cereals.
It is a famine food.
Edible parts
Roots, seeds
How it is grown
Plants can be grown by root division.
Its other names
Local names
Alacs, Elecs, Elecske, Susak, Vodoljub