Skip to main content

European Bur-reed

Sparganium emersum

Last reviewed: August 2026

European Bur-reed (Sparganium emersum)
Photo: G.-U. Tolkiehn / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 3.0)

Toxicity unknown

European Bur-reed (Sparganium emersum) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

Light

part shade

Water

high

Size

12"–48" H × 12"–24" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug

Native to

AZ, CA, CO, CT and 29 more states

Before you buy

Your city may pay you to plant this

Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 452 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

Find rebates in your area

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Coast RangePuget LowlandMarine West Coast ForestNorthwestern Forested MountainsSierra NevadaNorth American DesertsCentral Basin and RangeSouthern RockiesArizona/New Mexico MountainsNorthwestern Great PlainsGreat PlainsWestern Corn Belt PlainsNorthern ForestsNorthern Lakes and ForestsNorth Central Hardwood ForestsDriftless AreaSoutheastern Wisconsin Till PlainsCentral Corn Belt PlainsEastern Corn Belt PlainsSouthern Michigan/Northern Indiana Drift PlainsNortheastern HighlandsNortheastern Coastal ZoneNorthern Allegheny PlateauErie Drift PlainNorthern PiedmontBlue RidgeRidge and ValleyCentral AppalachiansWestern Allegheny PlateauAcadian Plains and HillsEastern Great Lakes Lowlands

European bur-reed is an aquatic perennial that grows in shallow water or consistently wet soil. It produces narrow, grass-like leaves and distinctive spiky seed heads during summer blooms. This plant requires constant moisture and is best suited for water gardens or bog areas.

In an HOA neighborhood

European 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 specialized water garden conditions
  • Looks unkempt without consistent wetland management
  • Non-native species may be viewed unfavorably

Wildlife value

Provides habitat for waterfowl and aquatic insects. Seeds are eaten by ducks and other water birds.

Common questions

How much sun does European Bur-reed need?
European Bur-reed grows best in part shade conditions.
When does European Bur-reed bloom?
European Bur-reed blooms in June, July, and August.
Where is European Bur-reed native?
European Bur-reed (Sparganium emersum) is native to AZ, CA, CO, CT and 29 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
Is European Bur-reed HOA-friendly?
European Bur-reed 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 vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.

See all plant problem guides

Ready to grow European Bur-reed? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

Add this plant to your garden
iPhone appAndroid app

Planning a bed around it? Start a free plan with this plant

Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz