Clinton's bulrush facts for kids

Clinton's bulrush (scientific name: Trichophorum clintonii) is a type of plant that grows naturally in Canada and the northeastern United States. It's a small, grass-like plant that can be found in many different areas.

About Clinton's Bulrush

Clinton's bulrush is a special kind of plant. It's known for its unique look and where it chooses to grow. This plant is a perennial herb, which means it lives for more than two years. It comes back year after year, just like some flowers in a garden.

Where Clinton's Bulrush Grows

This plant is found in several places across North America. In Canada, you can spot it in Alberta, Saskatchewan, Ontario, Québec, and New Brunswick. In the United States, it grows in states like Maine, New York State, Michigan, Wisconsin, and Minnesota. It likes to grow in these specific regions.

What Clinton's Bulrush Looks Like

Clinton's bulrush usually grows up to about 40 centimeters (about 16 inches) tall. It grows in thick groups, almost like a small bush of grass. However, it doesn't spread underground with special stems called rhizomes.

Its main stems, called culms, are shaped like a triangle when you look at them from the side. The leaves of the plant can grow up to 25 centimeters (about 10 inches) long.

The plant produces small flower clusters called inflorescences. Each cluster has one brown spikelet, which is a small group of flowers. This spikelet usually has three to six tiny flowers inside it. After the flowers, the plant makes small seeds called achenes. These seeds are shaped like flattened triangles and are about 2 millimeters (less than an inch) long.