Flowering Rush - Butomus umbellatus
  • An emergent growing about 1m tall mainly in marshes (can also grow submerged in 3m deep water)
  • Leaves are long narrow, triangular in x-section and twisted at the ends
  • Flowers white to deep pink
  • Difficult to separate from native bur-reeds (Sparganium sp.)

The Problem

  • Capable of out-competing and displacing native vegetation
  • Reproduces prolifically by seed and bulbets as well as through root and rhizome pieces

Distribution

  • First introduced in NA as an ornamental
  • First collected in NB from the Eel River near Dalhousie in 1982
  • Greatest occurrence in Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River but has also spread reapidly into northern USA