Branched Bur-reed
Sparganium erectum
The branched bur-reed is a deciduous, perennial herbaceous plant that reaches heights of up to 150 centimeters. It prefers to grow on banks and in shallow water zones on nutrient-rich, muddy soils. It is characterized by branched inflorescences with unisexual, spherical flower heads that resemble hedgehogs. The plant spreads both via seeds and through underground rhizomes.
Details
Oxygen production
Minor importance for water body oxygenation as leaves are mostly emergent.
Habitat function
Structure provider for the riparian zone; nursery for amphibians and fish.
Nutrient uptake
High uptake of nitrogen and phosphorus from the mud.
Food source for
Seeds for ducks; rhizomes for muskrats; pollen for hoverflies.
Human use
Used in constructed wetlands for wastewater treatment; formerly used as weaving material.
Ecology
Ecological role
Important primary producer; provides cover for fish and juveniles; nesting substrate for reed-dwelling birds.
Natural predators
Muskrats, waterfowl (seed consumption), various insect larvae.
Competitor species
Cattails (Typha spp.), Common Reed (Phragmites australis).
Ecosystem service
Shoreline stabilization, nutrient retention, promotion of biodiversity in the littoral zone.
Threats
River engineering, intensive bank maintenance, excessive herbicide use, severe drainage.
Scientific profile
Profile
Reproduction
Generative via seeds dispersed by water (hydrochory), and vegetative via vigorous underground runners (rhizomes).