American Bur-Reed
Sparganium americanum Nutt.
Sparganium americanum, known as American Bur-Reed, is a perennial species in the Typhaceae family. It is native to North America and occurs in regions such as Newfoundland, British Columbia, and the United States. This plant plays a role in wetland ecosystems by removing nitrogen and phosphorus from water, helping to prevent eutrophication. It is particularly active during the growing season when nitrogen levels in water are high.
Description
Sparganium americanum is a member of the Typhaceae family and is commonly found in wetlands across North America. Its ability to absorb nitrogen and phosphorus makes it an important species for water quality management. The plant is distributed widely, including in Canada, the United States, and parts of South America. It was first described in 1818 by Nutt. and is known for its ecological function in reducing nutrient runoff, especially during the agricultural growing season.
Other common names
American Bur-ReedAmerican BurreedNuttall'S BurrweedThree-Square Burreed
Distribution
Newfoundland · British Columbia · Manitoba · New Brunswick · Nova Scotia · Ontario · Prince Edward Island · Quebec · Saint Pierre and Miquelon · Nearctic · Vermont-US · Antioquia · Global · Alabama · Arkansas · Colombia · Connecticut · Delaware · Florida · Georgia · Illinois · Indiana · Iowa · Kansas · Kentucky · Louisiana · Maine · Maryland · Massachusetts · Mexico Northeast
Synonyms
Sparganium americanum var. nuttalliiSparganium americanum var. rigidumSparganium ligulareSparganium simplex var. americanumSparganium simplex var. nuttalliiSparganium simplex var. americanumSparganium americanum var. typicumSparganium americanum var. nuttalliiSparganium simplex var. nuttallii