BULRUSH 

Scirpus acutus / CYPERACEAE          Sedge family

Other Common names: Tule

Description: Scirpus: Annual or perennial, small to large grass-like plant 6 centimeters to 2 meters high; pithy stem triangular to circular in cross-section; leaves grass-like or sheath-like; flowers clustered or arranged cylindrically. S. acutus: Slender, dark green, 1-3 meters high; thick and scaly rootstalks; small basal leaf or sheath; flowers brown.

Location: Scirpus: Throughout much of North America in dense stands in shallow I water around edges of reservoirs, marshes and swamplands.

Season: Provides edibles throughout the year.   

Edible: Young shoots in spring and fall; seeds in fall; rootstalk throughout the year.

Preparation: Harvest young shoots by following the rootstalk which bears the shoots. Shoots should be peeled and eaten raw or cooked. Rootstalk pith (core) is excellent baked. The rootstalk and stem can be dried and pounded t into flour and mixed with the seeds for baking. In fall the seeds can be ground into meal.

Notes of Interest: While the mature stems are too tough to be eaten, they can be used for weaving materials-mats, containers, cordage, etc.

Season: Provides edibles throughout the year.   

Edible: Young shoots in spring and fall; seeds in fall; rootstalk throughout the year.

Preparation: Harvest young shoots by following the rootstalk which bears the shoots. Shoots should be peeled and eaten raw or cooked. Rootstalk pith (core) is excellent baked. The rootstalk and stem can be dried and pounded t into flour and mixed with the seeds for baking. In fall the seeds can be ground into meal.

Notes of Interest: While the mature stems are too tough to be eaten, they can be used for weaving materials-mats, containers, cordage, etc.