Life history

Species overview

Tufted Bulrush (Scirpus cespitosus), a State Threatened plant, is found in fens, sedge meadows, and wet swales of old beach ridges. Blooming occurs early June through early August; fruiting occurs late June through late August. The optimal identification period for this species is early June through late August.

Synonyms: Baeothryon cespitosum, Trichophorum cespitosum,

Identification

• Distinguishing characteristics: Distinguished by its solitary spikelet, lack of a conspicuous, leaf-like bract subtending the spikelet, round stem and cespitose habit.
• Flower characteristics: 1 spikelet, terminal, brown, 4 to 6 mm, several-flowered, 2 or 3 empty scales at the base, often deciduous as the spikelet approaches full maturity; lowest scale with a prominent, broad, blunt awn (1 to 3 mm) that may shortly surpass the spikelet; anthers 1.1 to 2.5 mm.
• Fruit characteristics: Achene three-angled, brown, 1.5 to 1.7 mm, with a small, slender point at the tip.
• Leaf characteristics: Several conspicuous, light brown scale-leaves at the base; a single, more normal leaf a little higher having a typical sheath but a slender blade only 4 to 6 mm.

Phenology

• Blooming phenology: early June through early August
• Fruiting phenology: late June through late August
• Optimum time to identify: early June through late August

Other

• Growth form: Graminoid
• Vegetative reproduction: Rhizomatous
• Life cycle: Perennial
• Comments: Associated Species: Carex lanuginosa, C. stricta, Betula pumila, Sarracenia purpurea, Calamagrostis canadensis, Cladium mariscoides, Drosera rotundifolia, Lobelia kalmii, Potentilla fruticosa, Solidago ohioensis.

State status

Status and Natural Heritage Inventory documented occurrences in Wisconsin

The table below provides information about the protected status - state and federal - and the rank (S and G Ranks) for Tufted Bulrush (Scirpus cespitosus). See the Working List Key for more information about abbreviations. Counties shaded blue have documented occurrences for this species in the Wisconsin Natural Heritage Inventory database. The map is provided as a general reference of where this species has been found to date and is not meant as a range map.

Habitats and landscapes

The Natural Heritage Inventory has developed scores indicating the degree to which each of Wisconsin's rare plant species is associated with a particular natural community or ecological landscape. This information is similar to that found in the Wildlife Action Plan for animals. As this is a work in progress, we welcome your suggestions and feedback.

General habitat information

• Habitat description: Found in fens, sedge meadows, and wet swales of old beach ridges.
• Soils: Wet, calcareous to acidic soils.

Natural communities

This table lists the natural communities that are associated with Tufted Bulrush. Scores for natural community associations are: "significant" association (score=3), "moderate association" (score=2) or the species can be present but is only weakly associated with the community (score=1).

Ecological landscapes

This table lists the ecological landscape association scores for Tufted Bulrush. The scores (3=High, 2=Moderate, 1=Low, 0=None) also correspond to the map.

Species guidance

The Endangered Resources Program has developed avoidance measures and management guidelines for plants on the Natural Heritage Working List. These are a work in progress, and we welcome your suggestions and feedback. Sources used in developing this information can be found here.

Avoidance measures

These are specific actions designed to avoid "take" (mortality) of this species.

• Avoid known individual plant locations and conduct operations elsewhere when they are least likely to cause damage. Ideally, this would involve frozen, snow-covered ground. However, in areas of the state where frozen conditions are unreliable, very dry soils late in the growing season might be the best available alternative. Consult with a biologist, if needed.
• Avoid broadcast spraying of herbicides; use care with spot spraying.

Management guidance

Management guidelines are additional considerations that may help maintain or enhance habitat for this species

• Minimize disturbance to hydrology, including soil disturbance from rutting.
• Survey for and control invasive plants prior to conducting timber operations, as these can be spread by vehicles and often respond vigorously to increased light; see forestry BMPs for invasive species.
• Maintain and restore open habitat through selective clearing and brushing.
• This species is likely sensitive to water quality. Following BMPs around streams and buffering associated drainages will reduce eutrophication and prevent water quality degradation.

Other resources

Links to additional Tufted Bulrush information

• NatureServe Explorer information [exit DNR]

Other links related to vascular plants (all exit the DNR website)

• Wisconsin Vascular Plants
• Freckmann Herbarium
• Atlas of Wisconsin Prairie and Savanna Flora - Wisconsin State Herbarium
• USDA - NRCS Plants Database
• USGS Midwestern Wetland Flora - field office guide to plant species
• eFloras
• Cofrin Center for Biodiversity Herbarium
• Intermountain Herbarium Grasses of North America
• Orchids of Wisconsin

Photos

Click to view a larger version. Please considering donating a photo to the Endangered Resources Program for educational uses. Photo use