Scirpus atrovirens aka Black Bulrush

Scirpus atrovirens is a perennial in the sedge family, Cyperaceae. Its common names include green bulrush and common bulrush. Its native range extends from Canada into the United States. It grows in eastern and central North American wetlands. These include wet meadows, bogs, and the shores of lakes. It also grows beside streams, in ditches, and in wet hollows. It is a plant of temperate climates.

This grass-like plant forms upright clumps from creeping rhizomes. Garden plants reach about 4–5 feet [1.2–1.52 metres] tall. Their spread can reach 4 feet [1.22 metres]. Each upright stem, called a culm, bears six to eleven leaf blades. The leaves are long and narrow, with rough edges. They range from yellow-green to dark green. Blades can reach about three-quarters of an inch wide. In fall, the leaves turn yellow-brown. Clumps spread slowly, but can form colonies when conditions suit them.

Small green spikelets form rounded heads at the stem tips. These flower heads give the plant much of its garden interest. Missouri Botanical Garden places their first appearance in late spring. Chicago Botanic Garden gives summer bloom dates, from June through August. Timing thus varies between the accounts. The spikelets turn brown by midsummer and keep their appeal into fall. The green and brown heads stand above the leafy clumps. They provide interest as the season moves toward autumn.

Grow this bulrush in moist to wet soil. It also grows in shallow standing water. Full sun suits it, though it accepts partial shade. Light shade helps in places with hot summers. Chicago Botanic Garden lists it for USDA zones 3–9. Missouri Botanical Garden describes it as easy to grow, with little upkeep. Spring and fall are the best times to start new plants. Divide established clumps in spring. Submerged pots offer another way to grow it in large water gardens.

Use it along pond edges, stream banks, or in bog gardens. It also suits rain gardens and damp low ground. Leave room for its rhizomes to spread into nearby soil. It can also seed itself in the garden. This makes it useful where a spreading wetland planting is welcome. Missouri Botanical Garden reports no major insect or disease problems.