SafePlants

American Bur-reed (Sparganium americanum)

Sparganium americanum, commonly known as American bur-reed, Nuttall's Burreed, or Lesser Bur-reed, is a perennial aquatic plant found in various wet habitats.

Considerations for Pets and Children

• The text mentions that bur-reeds are distinguished by their "prickly fruits," which could pose a minor physical hazard.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Sparganium americanum Nutt.
• Common Names: American bur-reed, Nuttall's Burreed, Lesser Bur-reed, American burreed (English)
• Family: Sparganiaceae (Bur-reed Family), Typhaceae (Cattail Family)
• Kingdom: Plantae
• Taxonomic Rank: Species
• Synonym: The text mentions that it's also referred to as Nuttall's Burreed.

Distribution and Habitat

• Sparganium americanum is native to eastern North America, including the United States and Canada.
• It's found in marshes, wet hammocks, and along the edges of ponds and streams.

Morphological Characteristics

• American bur-reed is a perennial plant growing to a height of approximately 30-90 cm (1-3 feet), potentially reaching 1.5m.
• It's an emergent semi-aquatic plant, meaning it grows partly submerged in water.
• The stem is light green and robust.
• It flowers from June to August, producing monoecious (separate male and female) flowers.
• The fruit is a green to brown achene (dry, flat seed).

Ecological Role

• The text mentions allelopathy in threesquare burreed (Sparganium americanum) and American eelgrass (Vallisneria americana).

Quirky Facts

• The Plant Symbol for Sparganium americanum is SPAM.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• Allelopathy between Sparganium americanum and Vallisneria americana has been documented.

Further Information

• USDA NRCS National Plant Data Center
• Encyclopedia of Life
• Discover Life
• Wikimedia Commons