Where does Great Bulrush grow naturally in the United States?

Great Bulrush is native to most US states, found from coast to coast including Alabama, Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Minnesota, Montana, New York, Oregon, Texas, Washington and many others.

When does Schoenoplectus tabernaemontani bloom?

Great Bulrush blooms during the summer months of June, July, and August.

What growing conditions does Great Bulrush need?

This wetland plant requires full sun and high water conditions, thriving in marshes, pond edges, and other consistently wet areas.

What type of plant is Great Bulrush?

Great Bulrush is a grass-like sedge that forms clumps and can grow quite tall in wetland environments.

Is Great Bulrush toxic to livestock?

The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Great Bulrush as toxic to livestock.

Is Great Bulrush HOA-friendly?

Great Bulrush takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Great Bulrush

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Schoenoplectus tabernaemontani

Last reviewed: June 2026

Schoenoplectus tabernaemontani (Great Bulrush) is a native wetland grass found across most US states that blooms June through August in wet soils and full sun conditions.

Great Bulrush (Schoenoplectus tabernaemontani) — Photo: (c) Patrick Hacker, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Patrick Hacker

The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Great Bulrush as toxic to livestock.

Light

full sun

Water

high

Size

36"–96" H × 12"–24" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug

Native to

AL, AR, AZ, CA and 44 more states

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Coast Range Central California Valley Central California Foothills and Coastal Mountains Central Basin and Range Mojave Basin and Range Chihuahuan Deserts Central Oklahoma/Texas Plains Texas Blackland Prairies Western Gulf Coastal Plain Sonoran Basin and Range

Great bulrush is a tall, wetland sedge that forms dense clumps of upright green stems topped with brown flower clusters in summer. This native plant thrives in consistently moist to wet soils and can reach up to 8 feet tall in ideal conditions.

Growing Great Bulrush

Grow Great Bulrush in full sun and high water. Mature plants reach 36 to 96 inches tall and spread 12 to 24 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.

In an HOA neighborhood

Great Bulrush takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Works well in: backyard only.

Very tall and wild appearance inappropriate for formal landscapes
Requires consistently wet conditions that may create drainage concerns
Can spread aggressively in suitable conditions

Wildlife value

The seeds provide food for waterfowl and songbirds, while the dense growth offers nesting sites and cover for wildlife. The flowers attract various insects during the summer blooming period.

Common questions

Where does Great Bulrush grow naturally in the United States?: Great Bulrush is native to most US states, found from coast to coast including Alabama, Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Minnesota, Montana, New York, Oregon, Texas, Washington and many others.
When does Schoenoplectus tabernaemontani bloom?: Great Bulrush blooms during the summer months of June, July, and August.
What growing conditions does Great Bulrush need?: This wetland plant requires full sun and high water conditions, thriving in marshes, pond edges, and other consistently wet areas.
What type of plant is Great Bulrush?: Great Bulrush is a grass-like sedge that forms clumps and can grow quite tall in wetland environments.
Is Great Bulrush toxic to livestock?: The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Great Bulrush as toxic to livestock.
Is Great Bulrush HOA-friendly?: Great 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 Great Bulrush? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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