Typha minima aka Dwarf Bulrush

Typha minima, or miniature bulrush, is a small water plant. It is a perennial, so it lives for many years. It belongs to the bulrush family, Typhaceae, and comes from Eurasia. Its range spans parts of Europe and temperate Asia. It also occurs in Pakistan. It is not native to Britain or Ireland. In northern China, it grows in shallow ponds and rivers.

The plant forms tufts of thin, green leaves like grass. These reach about 0.7–2.5 feet [0.2–0.75 metres] long. The leaves die back each year. Garden plants reach about 1.6–3.3 feet [0.5–1 metre] tall. Their spread ranges from 0.3–1.6 feet [0.1–0.5 metres]. Plants take two to five years to reach full size. Stems stand upright and hold short flower spikes above the leaves.

The tube-shaped spikes measure about 0.05–0.16 feet [0.015–0.05 metres] long. RHS describes dark brown spikes in mid- to late summer. Missouri Botanical Garden lists male flowers as yellow. It lists female flowers as green. It gives a longer bloom season, from July through November. The spikes add interest to pond edges and cut flower displays. The plant also draws birds and suits gardens for wildlife.

Grow miniature bulrush in rich, wet ground or shallow water. It suits bog gardens, pond edges, tubs, and patio pots. RHS recommends water no deeper than 0.33 feet [0.1 metre]. Choose full sun, though Missouri Botanical Garden also allows some shade. Loam and clay both suit it, with poor drainage. It accepts acid, neutral, and alkaline soil. RHS gives it a hardiness rating of H6. This covers Britain and northern Europe. Missouri Botanical Garden lists USDA zones 3–10.

This small bulrush needs little day-to-day care. RHS reports no major pest or disease problems. Neither does Missouri Botanical Garden. Still, RHS warns that plants can become a nuisance without care. Divide plants in spring to make new ones. Cut off dead leaves and old, spent stems before spring growth starts. Plants For A Future gives an edibility score of two out of five. Yet its food notes draw on other bulrush species. Those notes do not confirm edible parts for this species. The source lists no known hazards, but that does not prove safety. It also notes pollen uses as medicine. It warns against use during pregnancy.