Carried by 7 nurseries
View Availability at NurseryData provided by the participants of the Consortium of California Herbaria
View additional distribution information on the Jepson eflora
California Bulrush (Schoenoplectus californicus) is a native perennial herb in the Cyperaceae (Sedge) family that grows in northern, southern and central California. It is also found in Oregon and across the southern states to Florida. It is a definitive species of freshwater or brackish marshes, found in perennially inundated areas such as lakes and ponds, but generally not in flowing water. It tolerates standing water several feet deep where it creates sometimes massive patches. It occurs at elevations from sea level to 4,000 feet, often but not always near the coast. It is an aggressive spreader from its rhizomes and will quickly occupy all suitable area.
Grass
6 - 12 ft Tall
Upright
Fast, Moderate
Evergreen
None
Brown
Spring
Water features or wet habitats, Deer resistant
Full Sun
Moderate, High
Keep moist
Tolerates cold to 20° F
Standing, Standing
Tolerates any saturated or inundated soil.
Soil PH: 5.0 - 9.0
Pruning is usually not required, but spreading rhizomes may need to be removed periodically to restrain its aggressive tendencies
Shallow freshwater or brackish marsh on the margin of lakes or ponds, estuaries, large springs or seeps, and in drainage ditches
Freshwater Marsh, Wetland-Riparian
Due to its spreading tendency, use with caution in garden ponds or bioswales. Use with other marsh plants such as Carex spp., Spikerush (Eleocharis spp.), Rush (Juncus spp.), Saltmarsh Fleabane (Pluchea odorata), Arrowhead (Sagittaria spp.), Willow (Salix spp.), and Cattail (Typha spp.)
Butterflies and moths supported
0 confirmed and 5 likely
Mottled Marble
Bactra furfurana
Javelin Moth
Bactra verutana
Oblong Sedge Borer Moth
Capsula oblonga