Description
Schoenoplectus tabernaemontani is an aquatic perennial that is found throughout the world and typically grows in a variety of wetlands. Typically forms a slowly-spreading clump of rush-like stems. Leaf-sheaths appear at the base of the stems. Branched inflorescences (as pictured) appear at the tips of the fertile stem ends in late spring to summer. Each inflorescence contains a compound umbel of brown spikelets each of which contains brownish florets.
Schoenoplectus tabernaemontani is best grown in standing water or in wet soils in full sun. Tolerates very light shade. In large water gardens, it may be grown in submerged containers. May also be planted in the mud at the margins of ponds or streams or in bog gardens. Naturalizes by creeping rhizomes, and, if left undisturbed in optimum growing conditions, will spread sometimes aggressively to form dense colonies. Perfectly suited to wetland and riparian revegetation, water treatment plants or swamps.
Schoenoplectus tabernaemontani belongs to a community of plants that often include, but are not limited to: Apodasmia similis, Carex maorica, Carex secta, Carex virgata, Phormium tenax, and Eleocharis acuta. For more information on plant communities, we recommend you refer to DOC’s publication Native Plant Communities of the Canterbury Plains
