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Schoenoplectus robustus (Salt-Marsh Bulrush)

Schoenoplectus robustus (Salt-Marsh Bulrush)

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Size

More information on the 2027 crop to come

A confirmed highly salt-tolerant specialist purpose-built for estuarine environments, salt-marsh bulrush's abundant seeds are a documented important food source for ducks, geese, and other water birds - while the species is rare enough in Maine to be state-tracked due to scarce habitat.

Species Overview

Schoenoplectus robustus, commonly called salt-marsh or sturdy bulrush, is a native sedge found along the edges of brackish and saline coastal marshes, growing up to 3 to 4 feet tall with sharply triangular, hard, erect stems. Large, conspicuous, cone-shaped spikelets and long narrow leaves and bracts distinguish this species, which blooms from spring through fall.

Application

  • Estuarine and brackish coastal marsh restoration - highly salt tolerant
  • Shoreline stabilization and erosion protection
  • Waterfowl food source plantings - abundant seed production
  • Salt marsh habitat creation and stormwater buffering

Growing Conditions / Specification Data

  • Light: Full Sun
  • Soil/Moisture Tolerance: Wet to submerged soils; brackish to saline coastal marshes
  • Plant Type: Graminoid
  • Mature Height: 2-4 ft.
  • Fall Color: Insignificant/None
  • Wetland Indicator Status: NI (No Indicator) - see flags
  • Native Range: Northeast/Mid-Atlantic (full list)
  • Pollinator Value: None significant - wind-pollinated wetland sedge/bulrush, no meaningful nectar or pollen resource.
  • Hydrology: Moist-Wet
  • Root Depth: Shallow (Under 12 in.)
  • Salinity Tolerance: High
  • Growth Rate: Moderate
  • Drought Tolerance: Low
  • Deer Resistance: Yes (Rarely Damaged)
  • Flood Tolerance: High - A brackish marsh bulrush, consistent with the genus' (Schoenoplectus) well-documented wetland-obligate pattern.
  • Shade Tolerance: Intolerant
  • Growth Habit: Spreading - rhizomatous
  • USDA Hardiness Zones: 5-9

Planting Guidance

  • Blooms and fruits from spring through fall, later than many co-occurring marsh species. Documented as rare in Maine, where habitat is scarce - worth conservation awareness for northern-range plantings.
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