''Schoenoplectus tabernaemontani'' (

syn. The Botanical and Zoological Codes of nomenclature treat the concept of synonymy differently. * In botanical nomenclature, a synonym is a scientific name that applies to a taxon that (now) goes by a different scientific name. For example, Linnae ...

''Scirpus validus'') is a species of flowering plant in the

sedge family The Cyperaceae are a family of graminoid (grass-like), monocotyledonous flowering plants known as sedges. The family is large, with some 5,500 known species described in about 90 genera, the largest being the "true sedges" genus '' Carex'' wi ...

known by the common names softstem bulrush, grey club-rush, and great bulrush. It can be found throughout much of the world; it has been reported from every state in the United States (including Hawaii), and from every province and territory in Canada except Nunavut. It grows in moist and wet habitat, and sometimes in shallow water. ''Schoenoplectus tabernaemontani'' is quite variable in appearance, thus explaining the long list of synonyms that have been created over the years. It is a perennial herb producing dense stands of many narrow erect stems reaching 1–3 m (33–100 inches) in height. It grows from a long

rhizome In botany and dendrology, a rhizome (; , ) is a modified subterranean plant stem that sends out roots and shoots from its nodes. Rhizomes are also called creeping rootstalks or just rootstalks. Rhizomes develop from axillary buds and grow hori ...

system. The leaves are mostly basal and have wide sheaths around the stems. The inflorescence is generally a

panicle A panicle is a much-branched inflorescence. (softcover ). Some authors distinguish it from a compound spike inflorescence, by requiring that the flowers (and fruit) be pedicellate (having a single stem per flower). The branches of a panicle are of ...

of spikelets on long, thin branches which spread, arch, or droop. The spikelets vary in color. There is usually a long, stiff

bract In botany, a bract is a modified or specialized leaf, especially one associated with a reproductive structure such as a flower, inflorescence axis or cone scale. Bracts are usually different from foliage leaves. They may be smaller, larger, or of ...

alongside each spikelet or cluster of spikelets. A cultivar of this species with bright horizontal white or yellowish stripes, ''S. tabernaemontani'' 'Zebrinus', is sold as an ornamental plant for water gardens and landscaping. Solid white and yellow cultivars are also available. The new shoots and young roots may be eaten raw or cooked. The older roots can be made into flour.

References

External links

Jepson Manual TreatmentWashington Burke MuseumNative Plants Hawaii, ''Schoenoplectus tabernaemontani''
{{Taxonbar, from=Q159018 tabernaemontani Flora of North America Plants described in 1805 Root vegetables