Bulrush (Scirpus lacustris)

Family: Cyperaceae | Edibility: Edible (3/5)

Scirpus lacustris is a PERENNIAL growing to 2.5 m (8ft 2in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 4. It is in flower from June to August, 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.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

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

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

Flavor & Culinary Uses

Rich in starch, it can be dried and ground into a powder or made into a syrup. — Root - raw or cooked.; Rich in starch, it can be dried and ground into a powder or made into a syrup.; The buds at the end of the rhizomes are crisp and sweet, making excellent eating raw.; Young shoots - raw or cooked.

Habitat & North American Range

Bogs, shallow pond margins, rivers and lakes, usually where there is abundant silt, in acid or calcareous conditions. (Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8)