VALUE AND USE
SPECIES: Scirpus robustus | Saltmarsh Bulrush 



WOOD PRODUCTS VALUE : 
NO-ENTRY


IMPORTANCE TO LIVESTOCK AND WILDLIFE : 
Saltmarsh bulrush is valuable to wildlife as food and cover.  Muskrat
and waterfowl eat the seeds [20,21].  In the coastal plain of Louisiana,
saltmarsh bulrush is one of the most important waterfowl foods as
measured by gizzard content [3].


PALATABILITY : 
NO-ENTRY


NUTRITIONAL VALUE : 
NO-ENTRY


COVER VALUE : 
Saltmarsh bulrush provides cover for fiddler crabs and nesting ducks
[3,14].


VALUE FOR REHABILITATION OF DISTURBED SITES : 
Saltmarsh bulrush was used to improve habitat for largemouth bass in the
Lake Mead Recreation Area [4].  It established and spread quickly,
showing an 88 percent survival rate.  After 1 month cover rates
increased from 45 percent to 80 percent on one site and from 30 percent
to 70 percent on another.


OTHER USES AND VALUES : 
NO-ENTRY


MANAGEMENT CONSIDERATIONS : 
Pure stands of Scirpus species in Louisiana saltmarshes are more
susceptible to destruction by foraging geese and muskrats than are
Scirpus stands mixed with other climax species [16].

After seed planting, water level over the seeds should be maintained at
1 foot for 2 weeks, then reduced to "mudflat stage" [18].  Periodic
flooding up to 3 feet should occur until the seeds are established.
Seeds can germinate in fresh water but are unable to compete well with
other species under these conditions [18].

Related categories for Species: Scirpus robustus | Saltmarsh Bulrush