Volunteers Community Partners

Flowering Rush

Photo by Leslie J. Mehrhoff

Common Name: Flowering Rush
Scientific Name: Butomus umbellatus
Origin: Eurasia

Description

The flowing rush a perennial aquatic herbaceous plant that grows along shores in shallow water. It is able to grow submerged in water but will not produce flowers. It has green, sword-shaped leaves and produces pink flowers.

Habitat

Often found along lakeshores and slow moving rivers.

Threat

The flowering rush spreads rapidly, competing with native shoreland vegetation. This can impact both shallow water and shoreline ecology.

Management

For invasions on land, hand digging the plants and applying herbicides is the most effective form of removal. For those growing in water, it is best to cut the plant just below the water surface to prevent spreading.

Distribution: View Map

Found throughout the northern United States and is present in the FL-PRISM.

Invasive Rank

Fact Sheet