Brown bog-rush (Schoenus ferrugineus, Sp. Pl.: 43 (1753))

Family: Cyperaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 43 (1753)

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Schoenus

Vegetable: Unknown

Observations: Europe

Description

Brown bog-rush, scientifically known as Schoenus ferrugineus, is a distinctive plant belonging to the Cyperaceae family. First described by the renowned botanist Carl Linnaeus in his seminal work “Species Plantarum” in 1753, this species has been a subject of botanical interest for centuries.

Native to Europe, Schoenus ferrugineus thrives in boggy, acidic soil conditions where its unique growth pattern can be observed. This perennial species often forms dense clumps, making it a significant component of the ecosystem in which it resides. Typically found in wetland areas, the brown bog-rush plays a crucial role in maintaining the delicate balance of these habitats.

The plant exhibits a striking appearance with its slender, rush-like stems that can reach varying heights depending on its environment. The stems are often dark brown or rusty in color, which contributes to the common name “brown bog-rush”. The inflorescence of Schoenus ferrugineus features small, inconspicuous flowers that cluster together, providing a subtle yet important aesthetic to the marshy landscapes they inhabit.

Ecologically, brown bog-rush serves as a vital component of the wetlands, offering a habitat for various insects and providing structural stability to the soil, thus preventing erosion. Its presence in bogs and fens is also an indicator of healthy, intact wetland ecosystems.

Overall, Schoenus ferrugineus is not just another plant in the marshes; it is a symbol of the intricate interdependencies within natural habitats. Its study and preservation remain important for botanists and ecologists who seek to understand and protect the rich biodiversity of European wetlands.

Common Names

Deu: rostrotes kopfried
Dan: rust-skæne
Lav: rusgana melncere
Eng: brown bog-rush
Swe: axag
Sme: ruostaluktáš
Cym: corsfrwynen rudd
Gla: sèimhean ruadh
En: Brown Bog-rush
Bg: Червеникав схьонус
Cs: Šášina rezavá
Da: Rust-skæne
Nl: Bruine Knopbies
Et: Pruun sepsikas
Fi: Ruskoruosteheinä
Fr: Choin ferrugineux
De: Rostrotes Kopfried
It: Giunco-nero delle paludi
Lv: Rusgana melncere
Lt: Rusvasis vikšrenis
Se: Ruostaluktáš
Pl: Marzyca ruda
Ru: Схенус ржавый
Gd: Sèimhean Ruadh
Sv: Axag
Uk: Сашник іржавий
Cy: Corsfrwynen rudd

Synonyms

• Schoenus karpatii (Pénzes)
• Streblidia ferruginea ((L.) Link)
• Schoenus nigricans (Hoppe)

Distribution

• Albania (native)
• Austria (native)
• Baltic States (native)
• Belarus (native)
• Central European Rus (native)
• Czechoslovakia (native)
• Denmark (native)
• East European Russia (native)
• Finland (native)
• France (native)
• Germany (native)
• Great Britain (native)
• Italy (native)
• North European Russi (native)
• Northwest European R (native)
• Norway (native)
• Poland (native)
• Romania (native)
• South European Russi (native)
• Sweden (native)
• Switzerland (native)
• Ukraine (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)
• Bulgaria (introduced)

Additional Images

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Leaf

Taken Aug 16, 2022 by Вадим Кокарев (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Jul 15, 1997 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Aug 15, 2005 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Aug 15, 2005 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Jul 15, 2005 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Jul 15, 2008 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Habit

Taken Jul 6, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 6, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 10, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 10, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 10, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Jul 10, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 10, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 10, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 6, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 6, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Jan 1, 1970 by Photoflora – L’Abbé COSTE (©)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2709988)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:330939-2)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Schoenus ferrugineus L.)

Specifications

Growth