Schoenoplectus tabernaemontani (Softstem Bulrush) Care Guide
Schoenoplectus tabernaemontani is a tall reed-like sedge for pond margins and paludariums that tolerates fresh and brackish water.
Overview
Schoenoplectus tabernaemontani, known as softstem bulrush or great bulrush, is a perennial sedge of the family Cyperaceae. It produces dense stands of narrow, erect, cylindrical green stems and is used in marginal pond plantings and paludariums. It tolerates a wide range of salinity, and reportedly grows better in brackish water than in fresh water.
Taxonomy
- Family: Cyperaceae
- Genus: Schoenoplectus
- Scientific name: Schoenoplectus tabernaemontani
- Common names: Softstem Bulrush, Great Bulrush, Grey Club-rush
Habitat
The species has a cosmopolitan distribution, occurring across Europe, temperate Asia, North America and much of Australasia, and more sparsely in Africa and South America. It grows in wet ground and shallow water, and is most abundant in brackish and tidal estuarine water while also occurring widely in fresh water. It withstands permanent inundation in up to roughly 30 cm of water.
Appearance
It forms many narrow erect stems that are circular in cross-section, distinguishing it from related sedges with triangular stems. Wild plants typically reach 1–1.5 m, occasionally up to 3 m. Leaves are mostly basal with wide sheaths. Flowering occurs in early to mid summer, with fruiting in late summer.
Tank requirements
- Water type: freshwater to brackish
- Temperature: 8–28 °C (46–82 °F)
- pH: 6.5–8.5
- GH: 6–22 °dGH
- Lighting: high (full sun to light shade)
- CO2: not required
- Growth: fast; maximum height around 200 cm
- Placement: background / marginal, emersed
It is an emergent marginal plant: roots and stem bases sit in saturated substrate or shallow water while the stems rise above the surface. It needs little maintenance; old stems can be cut back in late winter or early spring, and the spreading rhizome may be thinned to keep stands contained.
Propagation
Propagation is by the spreading underground rhizome and by division of established clumps. The rhizome system allows the plant to form dense colonies, so it is usually grown in a contained planting where vigorous spread is undesirable.