Softstem Bulrush
Scirpus validus

a.k.a. Schoenoplectus tabernaemontani

A persistent, emergent, perennial herb, sometimes forming large colonies that may be intermixed with other emergent species. Because it dissipates wave energy, soft-stem bulrush is an excellent soil stabilizer for shores, stream banks and vegetated swales. It is recommended for lake, pond, stream, and wetland restorations and mitigation sites.

USDA symbol: SCTA2

General Information

Plant Type	Grass
Height	6 feet
Light Exposure	Sun
Soil Moisture	Wet
Bloom Color	Orange, Green, Brown

Softstem Bulrush (Softstem Bulrush<div><em class="small">Scirpus validus</em></div>) — Photo credit: United States Department of Agriculture (Click to enlarge)

Tolerances

Flooding / Inundation Tolerance	Very High
General Resilience	7
Salt Tolerance	Medium

Pollinator Value: None Known

Bloom Months	July to September

Project Planning

Project Type	Boulevard, Erosion Control, Restoration, Shoreline Buffer
Coefficient of Conservatism	4
Herbivore Sensitivity	Medium
Lifespan	Perennial
Rate of Spread	Fast
Soil Stabilization	Deep

Range

County	Aitkin, Anoka, Becker, Beltrami, Benton, Big Stone, Blue Earth, Brown, Carlton, Carver, Cass, Chippewa, Chisago, Clay, Clearwater, Cook, Cottonwood, Crow Wing, Dakota, Dodge, Douglas, Faribault, Fillmore, Freeborn, Goodhue, Grant, Hennepin, Houston, Hubbard, Isanti, Itasca, Jackson, Kanabec, Kandiyohi, Kittson, Koochiching, Lac qui Parle, Lake, Lake of the Woods, Le Sueur, Lincoln, Lyon, Mahnomen, Marshall, Martin, McLeod, Meeker, Mille Lacs, Morrison, Mower, Murray, Nicollet, Nobles, Norman, Olmsted, Otter Tail, Pennington, Pine, Pipestone, Polk, Pope, Ramsey, Redwood, Renville, Rice, Rock, Roseau, Scott, Sherburne, Sibley, St. Louis, Stearns, Steele, Stevens, Swift, Todd, Traverse, Wabasha, Wadena, Waseca, Washington, Watonwan, Wilkin, Winona, Wright, Yellow Medicine
Ecoregion	Driftless Area, Lake Agassiz Plain, North Central Hardwood Forests, Northern Glaciated Plains, Northern Lakes and Forests, Northern Minnesota Wetlands, Western Cornbelt Plains
Approximate Eco Province	Eastern Broadleaf Forest, Laurentian Mixed Forest, Prairie Parkland, Tallgrass Aspen Parklands