Saltmarsh bulrush facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Saltmarsh bulrush |
|
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Bolboschoenus
|
| Species: |
robustus
|
| Synonyms | |
|
|
The Saltmarsh bulrush, also known as Bolboschoenus robustus, is a type of flowering plant. It belongs to the sedge family. This plant has many common names. Some of these include alkali bulrush, sturdy bulrush, seacoast bulrush, and seaside club-rush. People also call it three-cornered sedge because of its stem shape.
Where Saltmarsh Bulrush Grows
The saltmarsh bulrush is originally from North America. You can find it along the eastern and southern coasts. It grows from Nova Scotia in Canada all the way down to Florida in the United States. It also grows along the Gulf coastline, reaching Tabasco in Mexico.
This plant is also found in California, Bermuda, the Bahamas, and northern South America. It usually lives near the coast in wet places. It likes marshes where the water is a little salty (called brackish) or very salty (saltwater).
What Saltmarsh Bulrush Looks Like
The saltmarsh bulrush is a perennial plant. This means it lives for more than two years. It grows from a system of underground stems called rhizomes. These rhizomes also have tubers, which are like small storage bumps.
The plant's stems stand straight up and can grow taller than one meter. They have three rough, hairy sides, which is why it's sometimes called "three-cornered." The leaves wrap around the stem. They have long, flat, or V-shaped blades.
At the top of the plant, you'll find the inflorescence. This is where the flowers are grouped together. It has one or more clusters of many small flower parts called spikelets. There are also long, leaf-like parts called bracts near the flowers.
Similar Plants and Uses
The saltmarsh bulrush often grows near another plant called Bolboschoenus maritimus. They look very similar and can even hybridize, which means they can mix their genes to create new plants.
This plant is very important for waterfowl (like ducks and geese) that live along the Gulf Coast of the United States. Its seeds are a good food source for birds and other animals, such as muskrats.
Long ago, Native American tribes used this plant. For example, the Pomo and Kawaiisu tribes traditionally used the plants for making baskets. Some people also ate the tubers from the plant.
