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Narrowleaf Bur-reed

Sparganium angustifolium

Last reviewed: October 2026

Narrowleaf Bur-reed (Sparganium angustifolium)
Photo: Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)

Toxicity unknown

Narrowleaf Bur-reed (Sparganium angustifolium) 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

6"–24" H × 12"–36" W

Bloom

Jul, Aug, Sep

Native to

AZ, CA, CO, CT and 16 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 459 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Coast RangePuget LowlandNorthwestern Forested MountainsSierra NevadaSouthern California MountainsNorth American DesertsCentral Basin and RangeSouthern RockiesArizona/New Mexico MountainsNorthern Lakes and ForestsNorth Central Hardwood ForestsNortheastern HighlandsNortheastern Coastal ZoneAcadian Plains and Hills

Floating bur-reed is an aquatic perennial that grows in ponds, wetlands, and water gardens. It produces narrow grass-like leaves and small spherical flower clusters during summer months. This plant requires standing water or consistently saturated soil to thrive.

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In an HOA neighborhood

Narrowleaf 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 water feature or bog conditions
  • Limited to specialized aquatic installations
  • May appear unkempt without proper water management

Wildlife value

Provides habitat for waterfowl and aquatic insects. The seeds attract ducks and other water birds, while the submerged portions offer shelter for fish and amphibians.

Common questions

How much sun does Narrowleaf Bur-reed need?
Narrowleaf Bur-reed grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Narrowleaf Bur-reed bloom?
Narrowleaf Bur-reed blooms in July, August, and September.
Where is Narrowleaf Bur-reed native?
Narrowleaf Bur-reed (Sparganium angustifolium) is native to AZ, CA, CO, CT and 16 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
Is Narrowleaf Bur-reed HOA-friendly?
Narrowleaf 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

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