IDENTIFICATION
Perennial.
Bog rush is distinguishable from other rushes by its large size
and its habit of forming dense clumps. Hollow, round stems, often mistaken
for leaves, grow from 30 to 130 centimetres tall. The true leaves are
short sheaths at the base of the plant. Clusters of many, small, non-showy
flowers form to one side of each stem. It is often called swamp grass,
although it is not a grass.
DAMAGE
Bog rush is not preferred by livestock and has become a problem
on lowland pastures, where it competes with hay and pasture crops. It
can become dominant on overgrazed riverbank sites.
HABITAT
Native to BC, bog rush is well adapted to wet, poorly drained conditions,
especially on muck soils and on river shores that are periodically flooded.
It requires open sunlight. It is common in coastal areas of the province,
and occurs in the southern Interior.
SPREAD
This weed spreads by seeds and lateral roots. Seeds drop from the plant,
but others are dispersed by water, wildlife, and livestock.
