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Mosquito Bulrush

Scirpus hattorianus

Last reviewed: August 2026

Mosquito Bulrush (Scirpus hattorianus)
Photo: (c) Ben Armstrong, some rights reserved (CC BY) / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 4.0)

Toxicity unknown

Mosquito Bulrush (Scirpus hattorianus) 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

full sun

Water

high

Size

12"–36" H × 6"–18" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug

Native to

CT, IL, IN, MA and 15 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 445 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

Northern ForestsNorthern Lakes and ForestsNorth Central Hardwood ForestsDriftless AreaCentral Corn Belt PlainsEastern Corn Belt PlainsSouthern Michigan/Northern Indiana Drift PlainsHuron/Erie Lake PlainsNortheastern HighlandsNortheastern Coastal ZoneNorthern Allegheny PlateauErie Drift PlainNorthern PiedmontBlue RidgeRidge and ValleyCentral AppalachiansWestern Allegheny PlateauInterior River Valleys and HillsAcadian Plains and HillsEastern Great Lakes LowlandsAtlantic Coastal Pine Barrens

Mosquito bulrush is a native sedge that forms compact clumps of slender, grass-like foliage. It produces small, inconspicuous brown flower clusters during summer months and thrives in consistently moist to wet conditions.

In an HOA neighborhood

Mosquito Bulrush 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 consistently wet conditions that may create drainage concerns
  • Sedge appearance may be mistaken for weedy grass
  • Very specialized growing requirements limit placement options

Wildlife value

This plant provides habitat and nesting material for wetland birds and small wildlife. The seeds offer food for waterfowl and songbirds in late summer and fall.

Common questions

How much sun does Mosquito Bulrush need?
Mosquito Bulrush grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Mosquito Bulrush bloom?
Mosquito Bulrush blooms in June, July, and August.
Where is Mosquito Bulrush native?
Mosquito Bulrush (Scirpus hattorianus) is native to CT, IL, IN, MA and 15 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
Is Mosquito Bulrush HOA-friendly?
Mosquito 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 vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

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

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