Sparganiaceae
Sparganium natans

Small Bur-Reed

Plant rooted in sediment. Leaves dark green, long, narrow, limp, with ends often floating across water surface. Flowers above water on stem, 2–3 female flower heads, each about 1/3 in. across when mature, topped by 1 male round flower head. Female flowers bur-like in fruit. Grows in shallow water to 2 ft. deep in ponds and lakes at low to high elevations. Other common bur-reeds are S. emersum, with single male flower head separated from others, and S. eurycarpum, with stiff leaves and flower stems arising from water.

  • Rarity: Locally Common
  • Flowering Time: All Spring And Summer
  • Life Cycle: Perennial
  • Height: Floating
  • Habitat: Lake/Pond
  • Found In: Mt. Rainier Np, Crater Lake Np, N Cascades Np
  • Native: Yes

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