Family: Cyperaceae
Author: (Torr.) Soják
Bibliography: Cas. Nár. Mus., Odd. Prír. 141: 62 (1972)
Year: 1972
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Bolboschoenus
Vegetable: False
Observations: E. Australia to New Zealand, N. America to NE. Mexico
Description
River club-rush, scientifically known as Bolboschoenus fluviatilis, is a notable member of the Cyperaceae family. Described by Soják in a botanical work published in the Časopis Národního muzea, Oddíl přírodovědecký in 1972, this plant holds a distinguished place in various ecosystems.
This sedge species is commonly found in wetland habitats, thriving in regions that range from Eastern Australia to New Zealand and extending from North America down to northeastern Mexico. Its presence in these diverse geographic locations highlights its adaptability and ecological significance.
River club-rush plays a critical role in its environment, often forming dense stands that provide essential habitat and food resources for a variety of wildlife. Its robust root system can stabilize soil, reduce erosion, and improve water quality by trapping sediments and absorbing pollutants. Such ecological functions make it an important plant for wetland restoration and conservation projects.
In its natural habitat, Bolboschoenus fluviatilis typically grows in shallow water or moist soil. Its tall, reed-like appearance, with triangular stems and clustered spikelets, makes it easily recognizable. The plant’s extensive network of rhizomes enables it to spread efficiently, contributing to its resilience in both natural and disturbed environments.
Understanding the distribution and ecological contributions of river club-rush is crucial for conservation efforts, especially in the face of habitat destruction and climate change. For botanists and ecologists, Bolboschoenus fluviatilis serves as an indicator species for the health of wetland ecosystems, and ongoing studies continue to uncover its potential benefits and applications in environmental management.
In sum, Bolboschoenus fluviatilis is more than a plant—its presence and vitality signal the health of the wetlands it inhabits, each leaf and root playing a part in the intricate balance of nature.
Common Names
Eng: river bulrush
Fra: bolboschoenus fluviatile, scirpe fluviatile, scirpe des rivières
En: River Club-Rush, River bulrush
Zh: 河三稜草
Fr: Bolboschoenus fluviatile, Scirpe fluviatile, Scirpe des rivières
Synonyms
- Scirpus maritimus var. fluviatilis (Torr.)
- Bolboschoenus maritimus subsp. fluviatilis ((Torr.) Á.Löve & D.Löve)
- Scirpus fluviatilis ((Torr.) A.Gray)
- Scirpus perviridis (V.J.Cook)
- Schoenoplectus fluviatilis ((Torr.) M.T.Strong)
Distribution
- Alabama (native)
- Alberta (native)
- Arizona (native)
- British Columbia (native)
- California (native)
- Colorado (native)
- Connecticut (native)
- Delaware (native)
- Idaho (native)
- Illinois (native)
- Indiana (native)
- Iowa (native)
- Kansas (native)
- Kentucky (native)
- Maine (native)
- Manitoba (native)
- Maryland (native)
- Masachusettes (native)
- Mexico Northeast (native)
- Michigan (native)
- Minnesota (native)
- Missouri (native)
- Montana (native)
- Nebraska (native)
- New Brunswick (native)
- New Caledonia (native)
- New Hampshire (native)
- New Jersey (native)
- New Mexico (native)
- New South Wales (native)
- New York (native)
- New Zealand North (native)
- Norfolk Is. (native)
- North Dakota (native)
- Ohio (native)
- Oklahoma (native)
- Ontario (native)
- Oregon (native)
- Pennsylvania (native)
- Queensland (native)
- Québec (native)
- Saskatchewan (native)
- South Dakota (native)
- Tennessee (native)
- Utah (native)
- Vermont (native)
- Virginia (native)
- Washington (native)
- West Virginia (native)
- Wisconsin (native)
Additional Images
Habit
Taken Jul 30, 2021 by Maarten Vanhove (cc-by-sa)
Leaf
Taken Jul 30, 2021 by Maarten Vanhove (cc-by-sa)
Flower
Taken Jul 30, 2021 by Maarten Vanhove (cc-by-sa)
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/7953794)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:1010250-2)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Bolboschoenus fluviatilis (Torr.) Soják)
Specifications
Growth habit>: Graminoid
