Bur-reed

Common name: Bur-reed

Scientific name: Sparganium americanum

Dimensions:
  Flower: 1" (2.5 cm) wide bur-like balls of tiny flowers
  Plant height: 1-3' (30-90 cm)

Blooming period: June-August

Habitat: Shallow water and muddy shorelines

Description: An aquatic plant with ball-shaped flower heads of tiny green flowers on a zigzag, partially submerged, stout stalk. The sepals and petals are as scales. Male and female flowers appear on the same stalk; female flowers with 1 stigma in round heads 1" (2.5 cm) wide; above the female flowers are 5-9 smaller heads of male flowers, with 5 stamens, and which wither and die after pollination. The linear iris-like leaves are usually partially submerged, up to 3' (90 cm) long and 2-4" (5-10 cm) wide, flat, not stiff. Bur-reed family. (July 17)