Image: Bur-reed (Sparganium eurycarpum) Sand Lake Wetland Management District 01 (14385334072)

Description: Bur-reed (Sparganium eurycarpum) grows in temporarily and seasonally flooded wetlands throughout the Prairie Pothole Region. It is a clonal perennial, spreading by below-ground rhizomes. The common name, bur-reed, arises from the distinctive round clusters of fruits. These seed heads shatter in the fall into individual kernels nearly the size of corn kernels. The seeds can accumulate in the soil as buried reserves and provide a very attractive food source for mallards and other waterfowl. This species frequently occurs in areas with spring flooding, and may be found in drying wetlands during periods of lower water. The buried rhizomes provide one method to survive periods of drought, fire, or ice scour. Leaves may be confused with cattail but is differentiated by the sharp mid rib on one side which cattail does not have. It can form dense stands under the right conditions. Muskrats feed heavily on the stems and rhizomes and their populations may increase when bur-reed is abundant. Photo: Tom Koerner/USFWS
Title: Bur-reed (Sparganium eurycarpum) Sand Lake Wetland Management District 01 (14385334072)
Credit: Bur-reed (Sparganium eurycarpum) Sand Lake Wetland Management District 01
Author: USFWS Mountain-Prairie
Usage Terms: Public domain
License: Public domain
Attribution Required?: No