VALUE AND USE
SPECIES: Scirpus validus | Soft-Stem Bulrush 



WOOD PRODUCTS VALUE : 
NO-ENTRY


IMPORTANCE TO LIVESTOCK AND WILDLIFE : 
The seeds of soft-stem bulrush are eaten by waterfowl and considered a
good to excellent food source in South Dakota [3,9].


PALATABILITY : 
NO-ENTRY


NUTRITIONAL VALUE : 
NO-ENTRY


COVER VALUE : 
Soft-stem bulrush provides good cover for waterfowl, especially in
conjunction with common cattail (Typha latifolia) [13].


VALUE FOR REHABILITATION OF DISTURBED SITES : 
Soft-stem bulrush is used in wetland restoration and is best planted
vegetatively because it can triple its biomass in one growing season
[20].  It is also used to reduce pollutant loads carried by storm water
runoff in urban wetlands [25].


OTHER USES AND VALUES : 
Roots of soft-stem bulrush can be ground into flour or eaten whole.
Syrup can be extracted from them [8].


MANAGEMENT CONSIDERATIONS : 
Livestock grazing in wetlands can reduce soft-stem bulrush [13].

Soft-stem bulrush will establish from the seedbank following periodic
draining and reflooding of marshes [6,22].  However, prolonged draining
and reflooding can reduce soft-stem bulrush stands [18].  In a Minnesota
marsh, early to mid-June drawdowns favored soft-stem bulrush stands in
the first 2 years.  After the third-year drawdonw, bulrush began to
decrease in water depths greater than 15 inches (38 cm).  Eventually it
was eradicated from all areas reflooded annually [18].

Related categories for Species: Scirpus validus | Soft-Stem Bulrush