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Schoenoplectus americanus

Schoenoplectus americanus

Last reviewed: October 2026

Schoenoplectus americanus is a perennial grass native to AL, AZ, CA, CO and 30 more states. It blooms in June, July, and August.

Schoenoplectus americanus
Photo: (c) Jody Shugart, some rights reserved (CC BY)

Toxicity unknown

Schoenoplectus americanus 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

24"–48" H × 18"–36" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug

Native to

AL, AZ, CA, CO and 30 more states

Before you buy

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Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 458 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 LowlandSierra NevadaCentral California Foothills and Coastal MountainsCentral California ValleySouthern California MountainsNorthwestern Forested MountainsNorth American DesertsCentral Basin and RangeMojave Basin and RangeArizona/New Mexico MountainsChihuahuan DesertsHigh PlainsSouthwestern TablelandsCentral Great PlainsWestern Gulf Coastal PlainNorthwestern Great PlainsPiedmontWestern Corn Belt PlainsCentral Corn Belt PlainsNortheastern HighlandsNortheastern Coastal ZoneMiddle Atlantic Coastal PlainNorthern PiedmontSoutheastern PlainsRidge and ValleyInterior River Valleys and HillsMississippi Alluvial PlainSouthern Coastal PlainMadrean ArchipelagoSonoran Basin and RangeAtlantic Coastal Pine BarrensSouthern California/Northern Baja Coast

An upright, triangular-stemmed rush that forms colonies along marsh edges and shallow water. Its stiff, leafless stems taper to a point, giving wetland plantings a clean, vertical texture.

Growing Schoenoplectus americanus

Grow Schoenoplectus americanus in full sun and high water. Mature plants reach 24 to 48 inches tall and spread 18 to 36 inches wide.

Wildlife value

Provides nesting cover and food for marsh birds, and its root mats help stabilize wetland soils.

Common questions

How much sun does Schoenoplectus americanus need?
Schoenoplectus americanus grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Schoenoplectus americanus bloom?
Schoenoplectus americanus blooms in June, July, and August.
Where is Schoenoplectus americanus native?
Schoenoplectus americanus is native to AL, AZ, CA, CO and 30 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.

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 Schoenoplectus americanus? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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