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| ## alkali bulrush {#alkali-bulrush .Title-Header}                     |
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| *Schoenoplectus maritimus* (L.) Lye                                   |
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| Plant Symbol = SCMA8                                                  |
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Contributed by: Idaho Plant Materials Center & the Interagency
Riparian/Wetland Project

# Alternative Names

Cosmopolitan bulrush, *Scirpus maritimus*, *Bolboschoenus maritimus*

# Uses

*Erosion Control, Restoration, & Constructed Wetlands*: As a pioneering
species, it will provide protection from wind and wave erosion
especially for newly exposed soil. The rhizomes form a matrix for many
beneficial bacteria making this plant an excellent choice for wastewater
treatment constructed wetlands.

*Wildlife & Livestock*: Livestock and big game will rarely use this
species for food. Palatability is low.

Waterfowl will utilize the seed and use the stems for nesting cover.
Muskrats and beaver will eat the rootstocks and young shoots. They will
also use the shoots for building material.

# Status

Please consult the PLANTS Web site and your State Department of Natural
Resources for this plant's current status, such as, state noxious status
and wetland indicator
values.![](media/image2.jpeg){width="2.6979166666666665in"
height="4.0465277777777775in"}

# Description

*General*: Sedge Family (Cyperaceae). Alkali bulrush is a native
perennial, heavily rhizomatous, obligate, wetland plant that may reach
15 dm in height and form dense stands. The stems are upright and angular
with several leaves, up to 1 cm wide, along the lower two thirds of the
plant. The flowers are borne in sessile spikelets, densely clustered at
the tip of the stem, and nestled in 3 or more leafy bracts. Spikelets
are 1.2-2 cm long. The seeds are brown lenticular achenes, 2.5 to 4 mm
long.

# Distribution

In the U.S., it ranges from the West Coast, east to Minnesota, and south
to Louisiana. It is also found in the northeastern United States. For
current distribution, please consult the Plant Profile page for this
species on the PLANTS Web site.

# Establishment

*Adaptation*: Alkali bulrush is found at low to mid elevations in
marshes, transient wet spots, pond margins, and backwater areas. It
forms large dense stands in alkaline or saline sites. It can handle a pH
of up to 9.0. It will grow on soils from fine clay to silt loam to sand.
It can survive periods of total inundation of up to 1 m deep. It tends
to spread and reproduce when the water table is within 10 cm of the
surface. It can occur in freshwater sites, but is usually a pioneering
species that will be replaced over time with more permanent species.
Seed and rhizome growth spread it. It is fairly resistant to fire, which
will increase its production and protein content.

*Seed Collection*: Seed ripens in late August to October. Seeds are held
tightly in the seedhead, which means the collection time can be
extended. Seeds may be collected by hand stripping the seed from the
plant or clipping it using a pair of hand shears. A power seed harvester
may also be used. The bracts, which are found in the seed heads, are
very irritating to the skin. Gloves and protective eye ware should be
worn, especially when using a power seed harvester.

*Seed Cleaning*: The hammermill is used to break up the large debris and
knock the seed loose from the stem. Cleaning can be accomplished using a
seed cleaner with a No. 8 round top screen and a 1/8-inch bottom screen.
Screens should be sized so desired seed will fall through and debris and
weed seed are removed. Air velocity should be adjusted so chaff is blown
away. Air flow and screen size may require adjustment to optimize
cleaning process for given situation.

*Propagation*: Stratifying the seed in a mixture of water and sphagnum
moss at 2°C for 30 days may enhance the germination rate. Seed viability
is quite high if stored properly for up to 20 years.

Within the greenhouse, seeds need light, moisture, and heat for
germination. Place seeds on surface of soil and press in lightly to
assure good soil contact. Do not cover seed. Soil should be kept moist.
The greenhouse should be kept hot (32°C to 38°C). Germination should
begin with in about one week. Maintain moisture until plants are to be
transplanted.

Wild plants for transplant can be collected and transplanted directly
into the desired site. As long as no more than 4 dm2 is removed from any
1-m2 area, the hole will fill in within one growing season. Care should
be taken not to collect plants from weedy areas, as these weeds can be
relocated to the transplant site, and the hole left at the collection
site may fill with undesirable species.

*Planting*: Planting plugs (either from the greenhouse or wild
transplants) is the surest way to establish a new stand of this species.
Plug spacing of 30 to 45 cm will fill in within one growing season. Soil
should be kept saturated. It can handle from 5-8 cm of standing water
during the establishment year. Fluctuating the water level during the
establishment period is essential. Water levels can be managed to
enhance spread and control weeds.

*Maintenance*: Plants can tolerate up to 1 m of standing water for short
periods of time. Typically, the water will be high in the spring and
decrease throughout the growing season to within 1 m of the surface in
the fall. This species can tolerate periods of drought and total
inundation. Water levels can be managed to enhance or reduce spread as
well as control terrestrial weeds.

*Environmental Concerns*: Generally, insects and disease are not a
problem. If an insect or disease problem is encountered in the
greenhouse, treat as you would for any other type plant.

![](media/image3.jpeg){width="2.7958333333333334in"
height="1.863888888888889in"}

# Cultivars, Improved and Selected Materials (and area of origin)

The Intermountain Interagency Riparian/Wetland Plant Development Project
released four performance-tested ecotypes for areas within its service
area in 1997. These are listed below.

*Bear Lake Selection*: Accession Number 9067380, for Land Resource
Region (LRR) B East from Bear Lake National Wildlife Refuge (NWR), just
south of Montpelier, Bear Lake County, Idaho.

*Fort Boise Selection*: Accession Number 9057579, for LRR B West from
Fort Boise Wildlife Management Area, west of Apple Valley, Canyon
County, Idaho.

*Stillwater Selection*: Accession Number 9067428, for LRR D North from
Stillwater NWR, northwest of Fallon, Churchill County, Nevada.

*Bear River Selection*: Accession Number 9067374, for LRR D South from
Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge, west of Brigham City, Box Elder
County, Utah.

Contact your local Natural Resources Conservation Service (formerly Soil
Conservation Service) office for more information. Look in the phone
book under "United States Government." The Natural Resources
Conservation Service will be listed under the subheading "Department of
Agriculture."

# References

Cronquist, A., A.H. Holmgren, N.H. Holmgren, J.L. Reveal, & P.K.
Holmgren 1977. *Intermountain flora. Volume Six. The monocotyledons*.
Columbia University Press, New York, New York. 584p.

Hoag, J.C. 1997. *Riparian/wetland project information series no. 2:
Planning a project*. USDA, NRCS, Idaho Plant Materials Center, Aberdeen,
Idaho. 13p.

Hoag, J.C. & M. Sellers 1994. *Riparian/wetland project information
series no. 8: Use of greenhouse propagated wetland plants versus live
transplants to vegetate constructed or created wetlands*. USDA, NRCS,
Idaho Plant Materials Center, Aberdeen, Idaho. 4p.

Hoag, J.C. & M. Sellers 1995. *Riparian/wetland project information
series no. 7: Constructed wetland system for water quality improvement
of irrigation wastewater*. USDA, NRCS, Idaho Plant Materials Center,
Aberdeen, Idaho. 8p.

Hoag, J.C., G.L. Young, & J. Gibb 1992. *Riparian/wetland project
information series no. 1: Planting techniques for vegetation riparian
areas from the Aberdeen Plant Materials Center*. USDA, NRCS, Idaho Plant
Materials Center, Aberdeen, Idaho. 8p.

# Prepared By

*Chris Hoag*

USDA, NRCS, Idaho Plant Materials Center, Aberdeen, Idaho

# Species Coordinator

*Chris Hoag*

USDA, NRCS, Idaho Plant Materials Center, Aberdeen, Idaho

Edited 07jun00 jsp; 14feb03 ahv; 060817 jsp

For more information about this and other plants, please contact your
local NRCS field office or Conservation District, and visit the PLANTS
Web site\<[http://plants.usda.gov](http://plants.usda.gov/)\> or the
Plant Materials Program Web site
\<[http://Plant-Materials.nrcs.usda.gov](http://Plant-Materials.nrcs.usda.gov/)\>

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