Flowering Rush Butomus umbellatus

Other Names: Grass Rush

Plant Family: Butomaceae

Flowering Rush Butomus umbellatus
Herbarium specimen of Flowering Rush Butomus umbellatus.

Flowering Rush (Butomus umbellatus) is an invasive aquatic plant that grows in shallow marshes and lake shores.  It is fairly aggressive and can grow in dense stands that are difficult to control, because the plant readily sprout after cutting or if all the root fragments are not removed after digging.  Identification of the plant while not in flower can be difficult due to its resemblance to other species such as Stiff Arrowhead (Sagittaria rigida), and other wetland species.  If the plant is to be controlled by any method, proper identification must be made to avoid harming native plants.

It is easy to see why Flowering Rush was brought into this county.  It is an attractive, hardy plant that easily grows in backyard water gardens, but its seeds can easily escape and cause damage to native plant communities.  It should never be planted or transplanted, and it is illegal to do in many areas.

Flowering RushFlowering Rush and Natives and Natives
Controlling Flowering Rush (Butomus umbellatus) at this location would be very difficult because it is surrounded by native look-alike species (Common Arrowhead, and Stiff Arrowhead).
Flowering Rush Flower Head
The attractive inflorescence of Flowering Rush.