Bayonet Grass (Scirpus paludosus)

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

Scirpus paludosus is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.5 m (1ft 8in). The seeds ripen from May 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 and can grow in very alkaline and saline soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Roots/Tubers, Pollen

Harvest Seasons: Late Summer, Fall, Winter

Flavor & Culinary Uses

Rich in starch, they can be dried and ground into a powder then mixed with cereal flours for making bread and other items. — Root - raw or cooked.; Rich in starch, they can be dried and ground into a powder then mixed with cereal flours for making bread and other items.; Rich in protein, it can be mixed with flour and used for making bread etc.

Habitat & North American Range

Alkaline marshes and on shores. Salt marshes. (Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8)