photo: R.A. Howard @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
Flowering Rush (Butomus umbellatus)
 Leslie J. Mehrhoff, University of Connecticut, Bugwood.org |
 Leslie J. Mehrhoff, University of Connecticut, Bugwood.org |
 Leslie J. Mehrhoff, University of Connecticut, Bugwood.org |
Form:
Aquatic herbaceous perennial, up to 3 feet tall, full sun.
Leaves:
Basal, up to 3 feet long, stiff, triangular in cross-section, tips spirally twisted.
Flowers:
June to August, 0.75 to 1 inch wide, white to purple, in umbels on stalks 3 to 4 feet tall.
Fruits & Seeds:
Late summer, dark brown, 0.4 inches long, rarely germinating.
Roots:
Short, spreading bulblet-forming rhizomes; bulblets can easily break off when disturbed.
Similar Species:
Bur-reeds (Sparganium spp.)
Tier 1 - Early Detection/Rapid Response
These species are known to be highly invasive in natural areas, but are not yet widespread in Cleveland Metroparks. With Limited distrabution, immediate action will minimize management cost and long-term ecological impact of these aggressive species.
Action: A GPS point is taken and the Invasive Plant Coordinator should be notified, so the Invasive Plant Management Crew can respond accordingly.
