Description
Sparganium – Burr Reed –
There are about 21 deciduous or semi evergreen, rhizomatous, marginal aquatic perennials, in this genus. They are found widely distributed in temperate regions worldwide at the edges of lakes and rivers. Strong rhizomes support erect, linear, deep green, sometimes brown-green leaves, and bear spikes or racemes of inconspicuous, spherical, male and female flowers, followed by fleshy burr like fruits. Best grown in the shallows of a large wildlife pool.
Grow in large drifts in a shallow pool margin, to 18″ deep, in full sun or partial shade. In winter, leave the foliage to provide shelter for wild life. Remove dead foliage in spring. Divide in spring.
S. emersum – This vigorous, submerged, floating, or erect, semi evergreen, marginal aquatic perennial is from Eurasia and North America and grows 10-28″ tall with an indefinite spread. It produces erect, boldly keeled, linear leaves, 8-20″ long, longer and wider on sterile plants. In summer, erect, unbranched flower spikes, 8-32″ long, bear densely packed spherical, white to yellow green flowers, to 1″ across, followed by ellipsoid, spiky brown fruit, 1/4″ across.
Zones 5-9
