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Sparganium natans

Sparganiaceae

Small Bur-Reed

Sparganium natans
Plant rooted in sediment. Leaves dark green, long, narrow, limp, with ends often floating across water surface. Flowers above water on stem, 2–3 female flower heads, each about 1/3 in. across when mature, topped by 1 male round flower head. Female flowers bur-like in fruit. Grows in shallow water to 2 ft. deep in ponds and lakes at low to high elevations. Other common bur-reeds are S. emersum, with single male flower head separated from others, and S. eurycarpum, with stiff leaves and flower stems arising from water.

  • Rarity: Locally Common
  • Flowering Time: All Spring And Summer
  • Life Cycle: Perennial
  • Height: Floating
  • Habitat: Lake/Pond
  • Found In: Mt. Rainier Np, Crater Lake Np, N Cascades Np
  • Native: Yes

Map of where plant is found

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