Ricefield Bulrush
Schoenoplectus mucronatus
Washington State Classification
Class A — Eradication Required Statewide
It is a problematic weed in 43 countries, especially in rice fields.
Quick Reference
Identification
Growth Habit
Ricefield bulrush is a wetland, perennial bulrush species. It has triangular stems that reach a height around 2 to 3 feet at maturity.
Leaves
There are 1 to 2 leaves per culm (stem) that are reduced to a few bladeless sheaths. Ligules are absent.
Flowers
Inflorescences head-like with 4 to 20 spikelets (clusters of flowers), rust colored to straw colored with a greenish center. Uppermost bract under inflorescence spreading to reflexed, 0.4 inches to 3.9 inches long.
Fruit & Seeds
Fruits develop summer through fall. They are dorso-laterally compressed and blackish brown when ripe.
Impact
It is a problematic weed in 43 countries, especially in rice fields. It has documented resistance to herbicides making it difficult to control. Since it is currently only known in one area of Washington, eradication in this State is entirely possible.
Ecology & Spread
Habitat
Ricefield bulrush can be found in rice fields as well as emergent zones and wet soils of ponds and ditches. Please click here to see a county level distribution map of ricefield bulrush in Washington.
Spread Mechanisms
Reproduction
It reproduces through seed, rhizomes and stolons.
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Control Methods
Mechanical
- Hand pulling is a possible control method, although it is very labor intensive.