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Rufous Bulrush

Scirpus pendulus

Last reviewed: June 2026

Rufous Bulrush (Scirpus pendulus)
Photo: Robert H. Mohlenbrock. USDA SCS. 1989. Midwest wetland flora: Field office illustrated guide to plant species. Midwest National Technical Center, Lincoln. Courtesy of USDA NRCS Wetland Science Institute. / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)

Light

part sun

Water

high

Size

12"–40" H × 6"–12" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug

Native to

AL, AR, AZ, CA and 35 more states

Pollinators

bees, flies

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Central Oklahoma/Texas PlainsTexas Blackland PrairiesEast Central Texas PlainsSouth Central Plains

Rufous bulrush is a graceful wetland sedge that forms upright clumps with narrow, arching leaves and delicate drooping flower clusters. This moisture-loving perennial thrives in consistently wet soils and naturally wet areas of the landscape. The plant goes dormant in winter, leaving attractive dried seed heads that persist into fall.

In an HOA neighborhood

Rufous 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.

  • Looks wild and unkempt to most homeowners
  • Requires consistently wet conditions that may appear poorly maintained
  • Sedge appearance often perceived as weedy rather than ornamental

Wildlife value

The summer blooms attract bees and flies for pollination. Seeds provide food for waterfowl and other birds, while the dense clumps offer nesting habitat for wetland wildlife.

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 Rufous Bulrush fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.

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