Sale
Sold out
Native plant
Typhaceae
Native aquatic plants for shorelines and ponds
American Bur-reed
Sparganium americanum
Product code : AKENE-0047
Native aquatic plant with graceful foliage for ponds, rain gardens, and shorelines.
- Quantity
- About 100 seeds
- Exposure
- Full sun to partial shade
- Life cycle
- Perennial
- Hardiness
- 3 to 8
Discover the plant
Common nameAmerican Bur-reed
FamilyTyphaceae
GenusSparganium
Speciesamericanum
TypeNative plant
Botanical nameSparganium americanum
Reproducible seedsYes
American Bur-reed (Sparganium americanum) is an elegant native aquatic plant with green linear foliage, a graceful habit, and distinctive spherical flower structures. This wetland perennial adds texture and movement to water gardens, natural ponds, and shoreline plantings. Its subtle flowers and decorative fruits provide botanical interest throughout summer. Extremely hardy in Quebec, it helps create natural aquatic landscapes while playing an important role in maintaining healthy wetland ecosystems.
American Bur-reed (Sparganium americanum) prefers organic-rich soils that remain moist to saturated, with full sun to partial shade exposure. Across Quebec and Canada, it performs especially well in rain gardens, ponds, and shoreline habitats. Its dense root system helps stabilize banks and reduce erosion. Minimal maintenance is required when consistent moisture is available. Its hardiness allows it to return reliably year after year in suitable aquatic environments.
American Bur-reed (Sparganium americanum) is used in ecological landscapes, aquatic gardens, and wetland restoration projects. It provides shelter for organisms associated with aquatic environments and contributes to natural water filtration. Its seeds support plant regeneration while its foliage adds structure to wetland habitats. Combined with blue flag iris, sedges, rushes, and cardinal flower, it creates sustainable landscapes that support biodiversity and healthy aquatic ecosystems.
Sowing guide
It all startswith a seed.
Sowing depth
1 to 2 mm
Spacing / density
30 to 45 cm (12 to 18 in)
Germination temperature
18-22°C
Germination time
20 to 30 days after cold stratification
Sowing period
Fall or spring after double stratification
Propagation
Seeds after stratification or division of rhizomes.
Cold stratification
Yes
Growing method
Sow seeds in autumn or spring after a period of double cold stratification to break dormancy. Plant the seeds 1 to 2 mm deep in a growing medium that remains consistently moist or slightly submerged. Maintain temperatures between 18 and 22°C (64 to 72°F), with germination typically occurring within 20 to 30 days. Young plants thrive in full sun to partial shade and require abundant moisture throughout establishment. Once mature, they tolerate saturated soils and shallow standing water, making them ideal for rain gardens, pond edges, and riparian landscapes.
Soil and care
The right care,at the right time.
Soil pH
Acidic to neutral
Minimum temperature
-40 °C (-40 °F)
Care level
Low
Watering
Constant, moist soil or shallow water
Soil type
Moist to saturated loamy to clay soil
Fertilization
Compost in spring
Moisture
Very high; saturated soil or shallow water
Seasonal care
Remove dead stems in spring and maintain adequate moisture throughout the season.
Container growing
A garden,within reach.
Recommended pot size
25 to 40 L (7 to 10 gal)
American Bur-reed can be grown successfully in a large watertight or semi-aquatic container that keeps the growing medium consistently moist. It is especially well suited to water gardens, natural ponds, and containers placed in shallow standing water. Use an organic-rich soil that retains moisture without drying out. This makes it easy to incorporate a native aquatic plant into patios or smaller landscapes while supporting biodiversity.
Bloom and dimensions
Its place,in your garden.
Mature height
100 cm
Width / spread
60 cm
Flower color
Yellowish green
Foliage color
Green
Foliage type
Deciduous
Growth rate
Moderate
Growth habit
Upright, emergent, and rhizomatous
Fragrance
Bloom period
Summer
Fruiting
Spherical seed structures in late summer
Harvest
August to September
Garden associations
In goodcompany.
Companion plants
Blue flag iris, sedges, rushes, cardinal flower
Plants to avoid
Lavender, santolina, blanket flower, sedum
Frequently asked questions
Your questions,answered.
When should American Bur-reed be sown?
American Bur-reed seeds can be sown in autumn or spring after double cold stratification. This treatment improves germination and reproduces the natural conditions of wetland habitats.
Why is this plant useful in water gardens?
American Bur-reed naturally filters water and stabilizes shorelines through its dense root system. It also creates valuable habitat for aquatic wildlife.
Can it be grown in a pond?
Yes. This species is perfectly suited to natural ponds, water gardens, and shallow water where it thrives in saturated soils.
Does it attract wildlife?
Yes. American Bur-reed provides habitat for many aquatic insects and other wetland organisms, while its flowers also attract a variety of pollinators.
Is it easy to maintain?
Once established in an appropriate wet environment, American Bur-reed requires very little maintenance. It returns reliably each year and gradually forms attractive natural colonies.
Wildlife and pets
Life,around your plants.
Attracts birds
Yes
Native plant
Yes
Supporting wildlife
Beneficial wetland wildlife
For a great start to your seeds
The right extras.Right here.
Seed Starting Soil
Shop the collectionSeed starting supplies
Shop the collection
