Broadfruit Bur-reed
Sparganium eurycarpum
Last reviewed: June 2026
Light
full sun
Water
high
Size
24"–60" H × 12"–24" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul, Aug
Native to
AZ, CA, CO, CT and 34 more states
Pollinators
bees, beetles
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Broadfruit bur-reed is a tall aquatic perennial that produces distinctive spherical flower clusters in summer and requires consistently wet or waterlogged soil to thrive. This plant is best suited for rain gardens, pond edges, or constructed wetland areas.
In an HOA neighborhood
Broadfruit Bur-reed takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: high. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Requires constantly wet conditions unsuitable for typical landscapes
- Wild, unkempt appearance inappropriate for maintained areas
- Spiky seed heads can appear messy
Wildlife value
The summer flowers attract bees and beetles, while the seeds provide food for waterfowl and marsh birds. Dense stands offer nesting habitat for red-winged blackbirds and other wetland species.
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 Broadfruit Bur-reed fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.