Bur Reed (Sparganium erectum)

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

Sparganium erectum is a PERENNIAL growing to 1 m (3ft 3in) by 0.6 m (2ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5 and is not frost tender. 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.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Shoots, Roots/Tubers

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Spring, Winter

Flavor & Culinary Uses

sweetish flavour. — Root - cooked[22, 46, 61.; A sweetish flavour.; Stem base - cooked.

Habitat & North American Range

Muddy or peaty shores and shallow water to 30cm deep, in ponds, ditches and ungrazed marshland. (Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8)