Common or Giant Bur-reed (Sparganium eurycarpum)

Burreed Seeds
Seeds (achens) of Common Burreed, Sparganium eurycarpum

Other Name: Giant Bur-reed, bureed, burreed

Plant Family: Bur-reed, Sparganiaceae

Wetland Indicator Status: OBL

Common bur-reed is an emergent plant of shallow water with sword-shaped leaves and mace-shaped seed heads.  The corn kernel-sized seeds (achenes) are often eaten by waterfowl and shore birds. Muskrats eat the entire plant, and the tubers are eaten by adventurous humans.

Burreed in Wetland
Common Bur-reed (Sparganium eurycarpum) aquatic plants growing in a drainage ditch and surrounding wetland
Common Bur-Reed Flower
Common bur-reed inflorescence