Black Bulrush
Scirpus atrovirens
Last reviewed: June 2026
Scirpus atrovirens is a native wetland sedge that thrives in moist to wet soils across eastern and central North America. This clumping perennial blooms from June through August with distinctive dark green foliage.
The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Black Bulrush as toxic to livestock.
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.
Growing Black Bulrush
Grow Black Bulrush in full sun and high water. Mature plants reach 12 to 48 inches tall and spread 6 to 24 inches wide. Expect moderate maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
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.
Common questions
- Where does Scirpus atrovirens naturally grow?
- Black Bulrush is native to much of eastern and central North America, from Maine to Montana and south to Texas and Georgia. It naturally occurs in wetlands, marshes, and along stream banks.
- When does Black Bulrush bloom?
- Scirpus atrovirens produces its flowering spikes during summer months, typically from June through August.
- What growing conditions does this sedge prefer?
- This wetland plant requires consistently moist to wet soils and performs best in full sun to partial sun locations. It is well-adapted to bog gardens, rain gardens, and pond margins.
- How can you identify Black Bulrush?
- The plant forms dense clumps of triangular stems with dark green, grass-like leaves. Its common name refers to the characteristically dark green to blackish-green foliage that distinguishes it from other bulrushes.
- Is Black Bulrush toxic to livestock?
- The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Black Bulrush as toxic to livestock.
- Is Black Bulrush HOA-friendly?
- Black Bulrush takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
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.
Ready to grow Black Bulrush? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
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