Dark-green Bulrush is a handsome and reliable sedge that brings lush, deep green texture to the damp corners of the landscape. Growing in dense clumps that reach 3 to 5 feet tall, this cool-season perennial is topped with attractive, branched clusters of dark green to brownish spikelets in mid-summer. It is native to much of eastern and central North America, where it is commonly found in wet prairies, ditches, and along the edges of marshes. Unlike some of its more aggressive relatives, Dark-green Bulrush tends to stay in well-defined clumps, making it a more manageable choice for smaller rain gardens or backyard pond edges. It provides excellent structural habitat for insects and its seeds are consumed by a variety of songbirds and waterfowl. This species is remarkably easy to grow, thriving in full sun and wet to medium-wet soils. It is particularly useful for stabilizing soil in areas that experience seasonal flooding, as its fibrous root system is adept at holding the earth in place.

Quick facts

• Height: 3–5 ft
• Sun: Full
• Soil moisture: Wet to Medium-Wet
• Bloom time: Jun–Aug
• Life cycle: Perennial
• Notes: Cool-season
• Native range: Native to 40 states, including Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Missouri, Nebraska

See the full growing guide and county range map for Dark-green Bulrush