Stem: Olive green, round stems are 2-3 cm wide at the base and taper to 2-4 mm near the pointed tip. Hardstem: 1-4 meters tall, fresh plants not easily crushed with fingers. Softstem: up to 3 m tall, fresh plants more easily crushed with fingers.

Flower: Tiny, lack petals. Each concealed by spirally arranged overlapping scales forming flower spikelets clustered at the stem tips. Hardstem:1-8 brownish-gray spikelets per cluster, though often all solitary, about 5-15 mm long; scales to 4 mm long, awns on the scales 0.5-2 mm. Softstem 1-3 reddish-brown spikelets per cluster, about 4-13 mm long; scales to 3 mm long, awns on the scales < 1mm.

Fruit: Tiny seed-like achenes, 1.5-2.5 mm long, usually completely hidden by scales.

Root: Horizontal underground rhizomes from which roots and multiple stems arise.

Propagation: Seeds, rhizomes.

Importance of plant: Native Americans used roots, pollen, and flowering spikes as food. Stems were used to construct baskets, mats, temporary shelters, and other household items. Provides food, cover, and nesting habitat for waterfowl and other birds. Currently used for bank stabilization and to treat contaminated water.

Distribution: Hardstem: temperate North America. Softstem: nearly worldwide.

Habitat: Marshes and shorelines to 1.5 m deep. Tolerates alkaline conditions; hardstem bulrush is more tolerant of brackish water.

May be confused with: Each other. Detailed examination of the flower clusters is required to distinguish them. They are often difficult to distinguish because they can form hybrids. Some botanists combine them into one species called Scirpus lacustris.

Photographs:  Scipus acutis, Scirpus acutis seed head

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