*Butomus umbellatus Linnaeus. Greater Flowering-rush. Phen: Jun-Sep. Hab: Marshes, lakes, ponds, stream edges, submersed in fresh water, other wet places, often disturbed. Dist: Native of Eurasia. Established in KY, OH, w. MO(?), PA northward and westward. Wood & Utz (2022) reported collections and iNaturalist observations documented a southern expansion of this invasive aquatic in the Ohio River watershed portions of our region.

ID notes:Submersed plants have more elongated and thinner leaves and are generally sterile. Overall, a showy pink-flowered species of various wetlands that is hard to mistake for other species.

Origin/Endemic status: Eurasia

Taxonomy Comments: Gaskin et al. (2021) studied the genetic diversity of Butomus umbellatus naturalization in North America.

Other Comments: In the ne. US primarily occurring in disturbed areas within the broader Great Lakes region, where it is commonly encountered in disturbed wetlands. While much more common in more northern temperate wetlands, it occurs sporadically further south to nw. KY, s. OH, c. IN, w. and e. PA (unglaciated).

Synonymy: = AqW, C, F, FNA22, G, GrPl, K3, K4, Mi, NE, NY, Pa; > Butomus junceus Turcz.

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Wetland Indicator Status:

• Eastern Mountains and Piedmont: OBL
• Great Plains: OBL
• Midwest: OBL
• Northcentral & Northeast: OBL