Panicled Bulrush (Scirpus microcarpus)

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

Scirpus microcarpus is a PERENNIAL growing to 1.5 m (5ft). The seeds ripen from June to July. 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. It prefers moist or wet soil and can grow in water.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

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

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

Wet low ground in lowlands to moderate elevations in the mountains. Marshes, moist meadows and ditches from sea level to 2900 metres. (Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8)