Black Bulrush
Scirpus atrovirens
Last reviewed: June 2026
Light
full sun
Water
high
Size
12"–48" H × 6"–24" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul, Aug
Native to
AL, AZ, CT, DE and 33 more states
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Black bulrush is a tall wetland sedge that forms upright clumps of dark green foliage. It produces distinctive dark brown flower clusters in summer and thrives in consistently moist to wet soils. This native plant goes dormant in winter, leaving attractive tan seed heads.
In an HOA neighborhood
Black Bulrush takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: moderate. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Looks too wild and marsh-like for formal landscapes
- Requires constantly wet conditions that are unusual in residential settings
- Can spread and look unkempt without proper water management
Wildlife value
The seeds provide food for waterfowl and songbirds, while the dense clumps offer nesting habitat for red-winged blackbirds and other marsh birds. The flowers attract small native flies and beetles.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Does Black Bulrush fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.