Data provided by the participants of the Consortium of California Herbaria

View additional distribution information on the Jepson eflora

Schoenoplectus tabernaemontani (syn. Scirpus validus) is a species of flowering plant in the sedge family known by the common names softstem bulrush, grey club-rush, and great bulrush. It can be found throughout much of the world; it has been reported from every state in the United States (including Hawaii), and from every province and territory in Canada except Nunavut. It grows in moist and wet habitat, and sometimes in shallow water. Schoenoplectus tabernaemontani is quite variable in appearance, thus explaining the long list of synonyms that have been created over the years. It is a perennial herb producing dense stands of many narrow erect stems reaching 1-3 m (33-100 inches) in height. It grows from a long rhizome system. The leaves are mostly basal and have wide sheaths around the stems. The inflorescence is generally a panicle of spikelets on long, thin branches which spread, arch, or droop. The spikelets vary in color. There is usually along, stiff bract alongside each spikelet or cluster of spikelets.

Plant type

Grass

Size

3 - 10 ft Tall

Form

Upright

Growth rate

Fast

Calscape icon
Color

Red

Flowering season

Spring

Special uses

Water features or wet habitats

Sun

Full Sun

Soil drainage

Standing

Soil description

Adaptable, tolerant of sand, loam and clay.

Site type

Marshes, lakes, streambanks

Plant communities

Freshwater Marsh, Wetland-Riparian

Caterpillars
Butterflies

Butterflies and moths supported

0 confirmed and 5 likely

Confirmed Likely

Mottled Marble

Bactra furfurana

Bactra maiorina

Javelin Moth

Bactra verutana