Bur-Reed (Sparganium americanum)

Family: Sparganiaceae | Edibility: Edible (1/5)

Sparganium americanum is a PERENNIAL growing to 1 m (3ft 3in). It is in flower from June to August. The species is monoecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but both sexes can be found on the same plant) and is pollinated by Wind. It is noted for attracting wildlife. 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: Shoots, Roots/Tubers

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Spring, Winter

Flavor & Culinary Uses

Root - cooked. Stem base - cooked. — Stem base - cooked.

Habitat & North American Range

Muddy or peaty shores and shallow water. Shores and shallow neutral-to-alkaline waters, sometimes forming large stands; from sea level to 800 metres. (Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8)