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Sparganium erectum

RHS Plant Profile
branched bur reed

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branched bur reed Dorling Kindersley Ltd

Other common names

Bede sedge, common bur reed, knob sedge

Synonyms

Sparganium ramosum

Aquatic
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A vigorous, erect, semi-evergreen, marginal aquatic perennial with keeled, linear leaves to 1.5m long. In summer it produces branched stems with greenish-white male and female flowers in separate clusters, followed by prickly green, then brown, fruit to 1cm across

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

1-1.5 metres

Max Spread

2.5-4 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years
Max Spread
2.5-4 metres
Max Height
1-1.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Clay Loam Sand
Moisture
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pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or East–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness

Hardiness Ratings

All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets

  • H1A: under glass all year (>15C)
  • H1B: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
  • H1C: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
  • H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
  • H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
  • H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
  • H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
  • H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
  • H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20)
H7

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Typhaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
Yes
Foliage
Semi evergreen
Habit
Bushy
Genus
Sparganium are deciduous or semi-evergreen, marginal aquatic perennials producing vigorous stands of lush growth. The leaves are narrow and upright, the flowers small and followed by fleshy, burr-like fruit
Name Status
Correct
Plant Range
Eurasia

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in a shallow pool margin, to 45cm deep, in full sun or partial shade. Can spread indefinitely and has potential to become a nuisance if not managed well. See pond plants for further advice

Propagation

Propagate by seed sown at 15°C as soon as ripe, or by division in spring

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Wildlife gardens
  • Cottage and informal garden

Pruning

Cut back old leaves and stems in spring

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free