Sparganium americanum (Lesser Bur-Reed)

A genuine water-quality workhorse, lesser bur-reed actively removes excess nitrogen and phosphorus runoff from water - helping protect waterways from eutrophication during peak agricultural growing season - while its spiny seed heads provide valuable food for waterfowl and other wetland wildlife.

Species Overview

Sparganium americanum, commonly called lesser or American bur-reed, is an aquatic emergent perennial native to freshwater wetlands across the eastern United States and Canada, rarely reaching more than 3 feet tall. Erect, blade-like leaves resemble shortened cattails, with conspicuous spherical white flower clusters borne at the nodes of zigzagging stems.

Application

• Water quality improvement - confirmed nitrogen and phosphorus uptake
• Muddy shoreline stabilization and runoff filtration
• Wetland and pond-edge restoration - emergent aquatic habitat
• Waterfowl food source plantings

Growing Conditions / Specification Data

• Light: Full Sun (tolerates moderate shade)
• Soil/Moisture Tolerance: Wet soils or shallow water up to 12 in. deep
• Plant Type: Forb (aquatic)
• 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 forb, no meaningful nectar or pollen resource.
• Hydrology: Aquatic/Saturated
• Root Depth: Shallow (Under 12 in.)
• Salinity Tolerance: None
• Growth Rate: Moderate
• Drought Tolerance: None
• Deer Resistance: Some
• Flood Tolerance: High - A wetland-obligate emergent aquatic forb (bur-reed); tolerates standing water.
• Shade Tolerance: Intermediate
• Growth Habit: Spreading - rhizomatous
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 3-8

Planting Guidance

• Rhizomatous root system establishes quickly, forming dense colonies effective at stabilizing muddy shorelines. Seeds provide an important food source for birds as they ripen.