American Bulrush (Scirpus americanus)

Family: Cyperaceae | Edibility: Edible (2/5)

Scirpus americanus is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.6 m (2ft). It is in flower from June to July, 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.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Nuts/Seeds, Shoots, Roots/Tubers, Pollen

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Late Summer, Spring, Winter

Flavor & Culinary Uses

Rich in starch. — Root - raw or cooked.; Peeled and eaten raw or cooked.; Stem base - raw or cooked.; Rich in protein, it can be added to flour when making bread, cakes etc.

Habitat & North American Range

A very local pant in Britain, growing in the margins of ponds near the sea in Jersey and possibly Lancashire. (Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8)