Tidal Marsh/ Salt Marsh Bulrush

COMMON NAME: Salt Marsh Bulrush

OTHER COMMON NAME(S):

SCIENTIFIC NAME: Scirpus robustus

FAMILY: Cyperaceae

COMMUNITY: Tidal Marsh

STATUS: Native

LIFESPAN: Perennial

HEIGHT: to 3 feet

FLOWERING TIME: Late June to October

FRUITING TIME: Early July to October

DISTRIBUTION: Nova Scotia to Florida, west to Texas ~ Throughout coastal strip in NJ and Delaware Bay shore ~ Brackish or salt marshes

IDENTIFYING CHARACTERISTICS: Robust plant ~ Creeping rhizomes often bearing tubers ~ Stems triangular, green ~ Leaves sharply keeled, in 3 vertical rows, smooth,  leaf sheaths tubular ~ Spikelets brown, glossy  ~ Creeping

GENERAL INFORMATION: This family, Cyperaceae, is commonly called the Sedge family. The species name, robustus, refers to is robust stature, foliage and large cluster of brown seed heads. The common name, Bulrush, is a misnomer as this plant is not a rush (Juncaceae) but a sedge (Cyperaceae). Salt Marsh Bulrush is an important species for wildlife.  The seeds are food for ducks and other marsh birds, rootstocks are eaten by geese and the plant provides protection for many birds. The following rhythm may help distinguish sedges from the similar appearing rushes and grasses: Sedges have edges, Rushes are round, Grasses have joints from the tips to the ground. The stems of sedges are triangular shape in cross-section.

Please note: While harvesting wild berries/fruit is permitted at Island Beach State Park, visitors must adhere to park regulations at all times and must not damage vegetation or go off designated trails.  This information is presented for educational purposes.