Schoenoplectus acutus (Muhlenberg ex Bigelow) Á. Löve & D. Löve var. acutus . Hardstem Bulrush, Great Bulrush. Phen: Jun-early Aug; Aug-Oct. Hab: Freshwater tidal marshes, calcareous spring marshes. Dist: The species is widespread in temperate North America; var. acutus is restricted to e. North America.
ID notes: Schoenoplectus acutus var. acutus is very robust, up to 3 m tall, the round stems arising from thick horizontal rhizomes. Near the top of the stem is an inflorescence with generally erect to arching branches. From the base of the inflorescence grows a bract which appears as if it is a continuation of the stem. It is very similar to S. tabernaemontani, but female scale awns are longer (0.5-2 mm vs. 0.2-0.8 mm) and usually bent (vs. usually straight in that species). The two species are known to hybridize and so some specimens may not key cleanly. The species is noted for its solid (hard) culms (stems), as the common name implies, as opposed to soft and easily compressed stems in some other similar species.
Origin/Endemic status: Native
Synonymy ⓘ: = Ar, FNA23, K1, K3, K4, NE, NY, Va, Smith (1995); = n/a – Tat; = Scirpus acutus Muhl. ex Willd. – C, F, G, GrPl, GW1, RAB, Tx, W, WV; < Schoenoplectus acutus (Muhl. ex Bigelow) Á.Löve & D.Löve – ETx1, Il, Mi, Mo1, NcTx, Pa; ? Schoenoplectus lacustris (L.) Palla ssp. glaucus (Sm.) Hartm.
Wetland Indicator Status:
Heliophily ⓘ: 9
See something wrong or missing on about Schoenoplectus acutus var. acutus? Let us know here: (Please include your name and email if at all complicated so we can clarify if needed.) We greatly appreciate feedback, and will include updates from you in our next webapp update, which can take a few months.
Cite as...