Branched Bur-reed

The stiff, erect, strap-shaped leaves of Branched Bur-reed, are difficult to distinguish from those of other similar plants found on the edges of ponds, such as irises and bulrush. The flowers, however, are distinctive. The branched flowering stem has a number of yellow-green spherical female flowerheads ranged along it, and above those are the smaller male flowerheads in spikes, with attractive white anthers. As the fruit is formed, the female flowerheads swell to become a spiky ball or bur. The plant spreads with the aid of rhizomes.

LEAVES : Basal, strap-shaped and stiff, usually erect, although some ribbon-like leaves float on water surface.

PLANT HEIGHT : 80–150cm.

FLOWER SIZE : 1–2cm wide.

FRUIT : Single-seeded drupe, borne on the female bur.

FLOWERING TIME : June–August.

SIMILAR SPECIES : Sweet Flag, Yellow Flag , Reed Mace have different flowers; Unbranched Bur-reed.