Plant Data

Names and Taxonomy

  • Common Names: California bulrush, southern bulrush, giant bulrush, tule
  • Synonyms: many synonyms, Scirpus californicus, Scirpus californicus var. tereticulmis
  • Family: Cyperaceae (Sedges)
  • Genus Information:

Habit and Size

  • Duration: perennial
  • Habit: sedge
  • Shape: upright
  • Size: 12 ft (4 m)
  • Stem:

Leaves

  • Color: yellow-green
  • Shape:
  • Edge:
  • Arrangement: alternate
  • Leaf Retention:

Flowers and Fruit

  • Sex: monoecious
  • Flower Color: brown
  • Flower Size:
  • Number of Petals:
  • Bloom:
  • Fruit:

Habitat and Growing Conditions

  • Water Use: high
  • Light: full sun
  • Soil: wet
  • Habitat: freshwater or brackish marshes, lakes, ponds, and drainage ditches

Distribution

  • Distribution: It is native to the southern and western United States as well as Mexico, Central America, South America, Easter Island, and the Falkland Islands. It is naturalized on some Pacific islands including New Zealand, Hawaii and the Cook Islands.
  • Seen: Cave Lake, NV
  • Elevation:

Photographs

California bulrush (Schoenoplectus californicus)

Cave Lake, NV

California bulrush (Schoenoplectus californicus)

Cave Lake, NV

California bulrush (Schoenoplectus californicus)

Cave Lake, NV