Woolly Grass Bulrush
Scirpus cyperinus
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Pl. 4CF6 — Scirpus cyperinus
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IOverview
Overview
Woolly Grass Bulrush (Scirpus cyperinus) is a perennial graminoid native to the eastern and central United States, as well as parts of Canada and Mexico. It thrives in moist or wet conditions and can be found growing in light, medium, or heavy soil types with a pH ranging from 4.8 to 7.2. This plant is known for its edible seed, which can be harvested and used as food. Woolly Grass Bulrush is adaptable to full sun to partial shade and grows up to 1.5 meters tall. Its native range includes states such as Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, and more. The plant's distinctive feature lies in its ability to grow in a variety of environments while providing an edible resource for those familiar with its use.
Quick answers
What is Woolly Grass Bulrush?
Woolly Grass Bulrush (Scirpus cyperinus) is a perennial graminoid native to the eastern and central United States, as well as parts of Canada and Mexico. It thrives in moist or wet conditions and can be found growing in light, medium, or heavy soil types with a pH ranging from 4.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Woolly Grass Bulrush thrives in full to partial sun and requires moist to wet conditions, making it suitable for areas with consistent water availability. It prefers light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay) soils with a pH range of 4.8–7.2. Hardy in zones 6-9, this perennial can grow up to 1.5 meters tall and is best propagated by seed. Ensure the soil remains consistently moist for optimal growth.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Moist, Wet, Water
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
6-9
Life cycle
Perennial
Habit
Graminoid
Mature size
1.5 m tall
Soil pH
4.8–7.2
For first-time growers
How to grow Woolly Grass Bulrush for the first time
8steps
Start with Woolly Grass Bulrush as a simple, low-maintenance perennial for your garden.
- 1
What you'll need
A healthy Woolly Grass Bulrush plant or seeds, suitable soil, and containers if planting in pots.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost or in early fall before the first freeze.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Prepare a well-draining soil with a pH between 4.8 and 7.2, ensuring it's moist but not waterlogged.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant established plants or sow seeds directly into the prepared soil at a depth of about 1 cm.
- 5
First two weeks
Keep the soil consistently moist and provide partial to full sun exposure. Monitor for signs of stress.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water regularly, especially during dry spells, and fertilize sparingly with a balanced fertilizer in early spring.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune dead foliage to maintain the plant's appearance but avoid cutting back actively growing parts.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in heavy clay soil without proper drainage, and not providing enough sunlight are common pitfalls.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Seed
Edible uses: The woolly grass bulrush is edible and its seeds can be consumed. Typically, the seeds are harvested and prepared by drying before being incorporated into various dishes or ground into flour for baking. Skip
Other uses:textilesWeaving material
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
30 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
30 native · 0 introducedDistribution across1 continent· 30 native
Asia1 region
native (1)Georgia
Broader regions
native:Masachusettes, Arkansas, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Alabama, Delaware, Florida, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Manitoba, Maryland, Mexico Gulf, Mexico Northeast, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, New Brunswick, New Hampshire
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
Explore further
Companion planting
Growing zone
XII
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