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