Sparganium natans
Typhaceae
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: Early Spring, Mid Spring, Late Spring, Early Summer, Mid Summer, Late Summer
- Flower Form: Petals Absent or Not Apparent
- Life Cycle: Perennial
- Height: Floating
- Habitat: Lake/Pond
- Found In: Crater Lake NP, Mt. Rainier NP, N Cascades NP
- Native: Yes
- Latin Synonyms: Sparganium minimum
