Scirpus microcarpus - Panicled Bulrush

Family:	Cyperaceae
Habit:	Perennial
Height:	1.5
Synonyms:
Range:	Western N. America.

Scirpus microcarpus (Panicled Bulrush) is a Perennial which grows to a height of 1.5m . It has a hardness rating of 0.
The flowers from this plant are hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and they are pollinated by Wind

Soil Information

Panicled Bulrush will grow in light (sandy),medium (loamy),hard (clay) soil. It is not necessary for the soil to be well drained.
The soil prefers the following PH / acid levels :
- pH of less than 6, Acidic soils
- pH between 6 and 8, Neutral soils
- pH greater than 8, Basic soils
Panicled Bulrush prefers soils

Ideal Planting Locations

Panicled Bulrush can grow in semi or areas with no shade.

Wet low ground in lowlands to moderate elevations in the mountains[60].

Planting places suited to this plant described below.

• Is a pond plant
• A bog garden plant

Cultivation Details

We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain, though judging by its native range it should succeed outdoors in most parts of this country. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. Succeeds in any wet to moisture retentive ground, pond margins and shallow water in full sun or shade[200].

Edible Uses*

* See disclaimer
Edible Rating: 3/5
Root - raw or cooked[172]. Rich in starch. Stem. Peeled and eaten raw or cooked[172]. Stem base - raw or cooked[172]. Pollen[172]. Rich in protein, it can be added to flour when making bread, cakes etc. Seed. A nutty flavour[172]. The seed is rather small and fiddly to harvest and utilize.

• Pollen -
• Root - includes bulbs, corms, tubers, rhizomes etc.
• Seed - includes nuts, cereals, peas and beans.
• Stem - this often intergrades into leaves.

Medicinal Uses*

* See disclaimer
Medicinal Rating: 1/5
A poultice of the pounded roots has been used as a treatment for abscesses[257]. An infusion of the plant, combined with blue flag (Iris spp), has been used as a gargle for sore throats[257].

• Poultice - A moist, usually warm or hot, mass of plant material applied to the skin in the treatment of burns etc.
• Skin - Plants used in miscellaneous treatments for the skin.

Propagation

Seed - sow in a cold frame as soon as it is ripe in a pot standing in 3cm of water. Only just cover the seed with soil[200]. The seed usually germinates fairly quickly. Prick out the plants when large enough to handle and plant out in their permanent positions in early summer. Division in spring. Very easy, larger divisions can be planted out direct into their permanent positions. We have found it best to pot up the smaller divisions and grow them on in a lightly shaded position in a cold frame, planting them out once they are well established in the summer.

Known Hazards

None known

Other Uses

The leaves have been used in the bottom portion of baskets[257].

• Basketry - Plant used in making baskets and other items such as chairs. Includes plants that are only used as an ornamental addition.

Cultivars

no recorded cultivars

References

Vascular Plants of the Pacific Northwest.
Hitchcock. C. L.
Author: Hitchcock. C. L.
Rating:
Publisher : A standard flora for Western N. America with lots of information on habitat etc. Five large volumes, it is not for the casual reader.
Date of Publication : 1955

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