Great bulrush, Club-rush, Roundstem bulrush
Schoenoplectus lacustris

Family: Cyperaceae

What it is like

A sedge. These grow in clumps and have grass like leaves and solid stalks. It grows in large beds in swamps. It has a strong rhizome which creeps along the soil surface. The stems are erect and dark green. They can be 2.7 m high and 1.5 cm wide. The flower is a brown spikelet at the top of the stem.

Where it is found

It grows in temperate to tropical areas. It grows in ponds and slow moving water. It suits hardiness zones 4-11.

Countries/locations it is found in

Afghanistan, Asia, Australia, Britain, Canada, Central Asia, China, Europe, Georgia, India, Indochina, Iran, Japan, Laos, Luxembourg, Middle East, Myanmar, North America, Northeastern India, Pakistan, SE Asia, Slovenia, Tajikistan, Turkey, Türkiye, USA

How it is used for food

The shoots are eaten raw or cooked. The pollen can be collected and mixed with meal to make bread. The seeds are ground into a meal and used for bread. The rhizomes are eaten or made into bread.

Shoots are sold in local markets.

Edible parts

Leaves, pollen, root, seeds, stem, rhizomes

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Jezerski biček, Kouna, Tule

Synonyms

Scirpus acutis L.; Scirpus lacustris L.; and several others