Family: Cyperaceae
Author: Muhl.
Bibliography: Descr. Gram.: 44 (1817)
Year: 1817
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Scirpus
Vegetable: False
Observations: E. Canada to U.S.A., Mexico (Coahuila)
Description
The Rufous Bulrush, scientifically named Scirpus pendulus, is a noteworthy member of the Cyperaceae family. First described by Muhl. in 1817, this plant has since captured the interest of botanists and nature enthusiasts alike.
Rufous Bulrush is predominantly found in regions ranging from Eastern Canada to the United States and extends as far south as the Coahuila state in Mexico. Known for its adaptability, it commonly inhabits wetlands, marshes, and damp soil environments where its distinctive features and ecological role can be most appreciated.
The plant is characterized by its pendulous, or drooping, flower spikes which contribute to its common name. These spikes, often tinged with a rufous or reddish hue, make the Rufous Bulrush an easily identifiable species in its native habitat. Its robust stems provide structural integrity while its extensive root system helps in soil stabilization and water filtration, making it an essential component of wetland ecosystems.
On a broader ecological scale, Scirpus pendulus plays a significant role in supporting biodiversity. Its dense growth provides a habitat for various aquatic and terrestrial species. Furthermore, its presence can indicate the health of the ecosystem, as it often thrives in relatively undisturbed and nutrient-rich environments.
In summary, the Rufous Bulrush, or Scirpus pendulus, is a plant of significant ecological importance and botanical interest. Its widespread occurrence in North America and parts of Mexico underscores its adaptability and role within wetland habitats. With its distinctive appearance and vital environmental contributions, it remains a key species within the Cyperaceae family.
Common Names
Eng: pendulous bulrush, rufous bulrush, nodding bulrush
Fra: scirpe pendant
En: Rufous bulrush, Hanging bulrush, Pendulous bulrush, Nodding bulrush
Hr: Viseći šaš
Cs: Skřípina převislá
Fr: Scirpe pendant
Fa: پیزر آونگی
Synonyms
- Scirpus lineatus f. elongatus (Eames)
- Scirpus lineatus (Muhl.)
- Scirpus pendulus f. elongatus ((Eames) C.F.Reed)
Distribution
- Alabama (native)
- Arizona (native)
- Arkansas (native)
- California (native)
- Colorado (native)
- Connecticut (native)
- Delaware (native)
- District of Columbia (native)
- Florida (native)
- Georgia (native)
- Illinois (native)
- Indiana (native)
- Iowa (native)
- Kansas (native)
- Kentucky (native)
- Maine (native)
- Maryland (native)
- Masachusettes (native)
- Mexico Northeast (native)
- Michigan (native)
- Minnesota (native)
- Mississippi (native)
- Missouri (native)
- Nebraska (native)
- New Brunswick (native)
- New Hampshire (native)
- New Jersey (native)
- New Mexico (native)
- New York (native)
- North Carolina (native)
- Ohio (native)
- Oklahoma (native)
- Ontario (native)
- Oregon (native)
- Pennsylvania (native)
- Québec (native)
- South Carolina (native)
- South Dakota (native)
- Tennessee (native)
- Texas (native)
- Vermont (native)
- Virginia (native)
- West Virginia (native)
- Wisconsin (native)
- Czechoslovakia (introduced)
- Victoria (introduced)
Additional Images
Fruit
Taken May 29, 2022 by DD S. (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 30, 2014 by EOL − Daniel Carter (cc-by-nc)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − John Hilty (cc-by-nc)
Taken Feb 2, 2008 by EOL − Keir Morse (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Feb 2, 2008 by EOL − Keir Morse (cc-by-nc-sa)
Leaf
Taken Jul 15, 2022 by bryan brunet (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 6, 2022 by Ross Kat (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 12, 2020 by rachel (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − John Hilty (cc-by-nc)
Taken Apr 10, 2008 by EOL − Chicago Botanic Garden 2007 (cc-by-nc-sa)
Flower
Taken Apr 11, 2021 by jeromy cantu (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 27, 2021 by Bill Pfeiffer (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Mark Mohlenbrock, USDA NRCS. Wetland flora: Field office illustrated guide to plant species. USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service. Provided by NRCS National Wetland Team, Fort Worth, TX. (public)
Taken Apr 10, 2008 by EOL − Chicago Botanic Garden 2007 (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − USDA NRCS Wetland Science Institute. (public)
Habit
Taken Nov 12, 2013 by EOL − Daniel Carter (cc-by-nc)
Taken Feb 2, 2008 by EOL − Keir Morse (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − John Hilty (cc-by-nc)
Taken Apr 10, 2008 by EOL − Chicago Botanic Garden 2007 (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Apr 10, 2008 by EOL − Chicago Botanic Garden 2007 (cc-by-nc-sa)
Bark
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − John Hilty (cc-by-nc)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:314080-1)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2720282)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Scirpus pendulus Muhl.)
Specifications
Growth form>: Rhizomatous
Growth habit>: Graminoid
Growth rate>: Moderate
Growth
Ph maximum: 7.0
Ph minimum: 4.9